In her workshop in Weisenbach, sculptor Annegret Kalvelage gently runs her fingers across a white, shimmering alabaster stone on her work table. As she speaks, her fingers trace the individual contours with a searching, exploratory touch. Then she picks up her round wooden hammer, known as a "Knüpfel," positions her chisel against the stone, and lets her energy, imagination, and emotions flow into the workpiece. With practiced movements, two hands emerge from the stone, one hammer strike at a time.

The work appears effortless yet controlled, combining craftsmanship with artistry. This synthesis of both worlds is exactly what the Gernsbach-based sculptor aims to convey to participants in her weekend courses at her Weisenbach studio. Over approximately ten working hours, students learn how to transform raw stone into art objects. "It's about learning to handle the tools needed for sculpture," Kalvelage explains, emphasizing that even the best artistic vision means nothing without proper technical execution.

Kalvelage's professional and artistic journey reflects this philosophy. Born in the Ruhr region, she completed an apprenticeship as a stone sculptor in traditional craftsmanship and was fortunate enough to carve stone bird baths and decorative elements rather than gravestones, allowing her creativity to flourish. The 56-year-old laughingly admits, "For me, the right angle doesn't exist." Seeking to expand her expertise, she studied art and architectural history in Karlsruhe, completed technical training, and worked in historic preservation before establishing her own studio as a freelance sculptor in 2007.

Since 2011, Kalvelage has lived in the Murg Valley, where she combines studio work with teaching and participates in sculpture symposiums. Her works grace public spaces, including installations in Elm, Switzerland, in the canton of Glarus, and along the sculpture path in Pfinztal in the Karlsruhe district. "It was like an awakening because I could finally give free rein to my creativity," she recalls about her decision to become independent.

Kalvelage has been offering alabaster sculpture courses for five years, choosing this material because the gypsum-like stone is relatively soft and easy to work with. Alabaster, quarried in Spain and Italy, carries a rich historical tradition dating back to the Baroque period, when having "skin like alabaster" – meaning radiantly bright, smooth, even, and delicate skin with a silky shine – was considered the ideal complexion for noble women.

The courses attract diverse participants, often including mother-daughter pairs seeking an alternative getaway experience. At the beginning of each course, participants select a stone to work with, deliberately kept to manageable sizes. "I want everyone to be able to take their finished work home after two days and ensure that the joy of working doesn't get lost along the way," Kalvelage explains. While some participants arrive with clear ideas, others bring photos or small models as templates, resulting in frequent creations of female torsos and memorials to beloved pets.

The sculpting process follows a consistent sequence: rough work first, then smoothing surfaces, followed by what Kalvelage describes as "the magical moment" when stones are submerged in water, revealing their full color spectrum and beauty. This moment often validates participants' artistic journey and builds their confidence. Many students initially question their abilities, asking "Can I really do this?" However, Kalvelage emphasizes that in beginner courses, there's no right or wrong, no beautiful or ugly – every piece has its merit, and no judgments are made within the group.

The work process encourages participants to let go and enter a state of flow, creating a uniquely meditative atmosphere. "Through working with stone, you discover another, deeper level of consciousness," Kalvelage observes. "You engage with yourself and your own feelings." This introspective aspect often marks the beginning of a new passion, and Kalvelage hopes course participants will continue their sculpting journey at home, equipped with the foundational skills she provides.

For those interested in experiencing this artistic journey, Kalvelage's next "Sculpture with Alabaster" course, in collaboration with VHS Rastatt, takes place on Saturday, October 11, and Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM at her Weisenbach studio. Registration and additional information are available at www.vhs-landkreis-rastatt.de or by calling 07222 3813500.