Artists that sculpt often begin with simple items. They may learn how to shape clay into pots and bowls. Once they have perfected their technique, they may move on to shaping clay figures by hand. Seeking different mediums, they might choose to learn how to carve. Wood is a popular material for carving because it comes in many different varieties. Artists that learn to carve wood can then progress to substances such as minerals and stones.

Learning how to carve takes time. An artist must strike a balance between taking off too much material and too little. It is often helpful to draw a representation of the finished product they seek. Doing this will give them a chance to work out the correct sizes and shapes they need. They will also have to decide what material they want for their finished sculpture. There are many substances an artist can carve to create a beautiful sculpture that will last for years.