Mackenzie Benato, Hand carved sandstone stamps with gouache and acrylic on paper Large

Artist: Mackenzie Mario Benato
Year: 2024
Materials: Hand carved sandstone stamps with gouache and acrylic on paper

Size: 650mm high x 450mm wide prints 

1. 23 Flowers
2. Snakes & ladders

Stones taken from a rubble bin, over 2 years.

Flat faces made by bridge saw.

Sprays water, catches sand, makes mud. Protects lungs.

(sandstone) (dust) (silica)

Carved into stamps. (hammer)

(chisel) As motifs.

They feel good in the hand, heavy, rough.

Your fingers find veins and grooves your eyes can’t. The stone absorbs,

water, paint, shock wave and then,

breaks, transforms, remembers.

Each stamp is a long story.