Michael Askew begins the artistic process by sketching works inspired by forms in nature, or from free-form images from dreams and visions. Then he begins the process of transforming the sketched image into a three dimensional sculpture, by creating a clay model. When the design has been perfected in clay, a stone is specifically selected to bring out the beauty of the piece. The stone is carved with a combination of hand tools, power tools, and pneumatic tools. Michael prefers carving in stone because of the variations in color, it's durability, and of it's origin in nature.