REVELATIONS IN STONE

Mike Burkleo is a long time Jade carver from Monterey Ca. He began collecting and working the stone as a boy. His art has been seen in galleries in Big Sur, Art shows, and homes throughout the United States. Mike, along with Dr.JC Buller conceived of and started the “California school of Jade carving”, where novices to accomplished carvers can expand their jade carving skills. He is also the managing editor of “Friends of Jade” a prestigious Jade journal.

As a child I remember watching my father turn a piece of jade over in his hand. He would pause and hold the stone up to the light admiring the unique colors in the stone. Today I am blessed to be able to work with this wonderful stone called Jade. When I discover a great piece, I ponder what that stone could become and how to maximize what nature has given me. It often becomes jewelry, a vessel, or sculpture, for others to appreciate. As I carve, it seems as though time disappears and instead of me imposing my will upon the stone, I nd myself yielding to the form the stone offers. Now over 56 years later, I am still captivated by this beautiful stone, frequently nding myself with a piece of jade in my hand, unconsciously turning it over and admiring the beautiful colors and shape as I hold it up to the light.