cutifications

Cutifications refer to the process or art of creating figurines or sculptures from small, rounded pieces of material, such as pebbles, stones, or other types of debris. This art form is similar to tumbler making, except that the artist typically works with a variety of shapes and textures rather than deriving them from a single medium through tumbling.

Cutifications may be created for aesthetic or decorative purposes, to provide a tactile experience, or as a form of stress relief. The process of cutting, shaping, and arranging these individual components can be meditative. Many who practice cutification express that the physical and mental control required to create these small pieces fosters focus and calmness.

The term "cutifications" is not well-documented, and its use in the broader art community remains minimal. However, those who engage with this practice likely encountered the term through word-of-mouth or online discussion forums, where such art forms have gained a following among enthusiasts who value the unique appearance and creation process of cutifications.

Artists may achieve cutifications using a range of materials and techniques. Some use pounding stones or wheels to fragment stone materials, while others carve or drill designs directly into the final piece. It's not uncommon for cutifications to combine multiple materials in a single piece, taking on an appearance that stays within proportion to the applying nature of stonework process or considered widely as forms of folk and assemblage art.