In the heart of Virginia, at the base of  Walton's Mountain lays the historic town of
Schuyler, Va..  This little town grew up to  support the soapstone quarry  which was
Nelson County's largest employer at one time. Earl Hamner's father worked there
before it was closed due to the depression. Today the John Boy's of the 21st
century mine and mill some of the most beautiful soapstone in the world. Visit their
website @
The Alberene Soapstone Company

I was introduced to the art of carving Soapstone on a lathe by Sherman Gingerelli,
a resident artist of the quarry in 2004.  Sherman was a wood turner who adapted
his lathe to turn Soapstone.  I don't know whether he  invented the concept of
turning Soapstone, but he is renown as the cornerstone of the art in Virginia,
always open to share his knowledge with a kind heart.  
Today, I enjoy turning Soapstone out of my home studio in Fishersville, Va..  Visitors
are always welcome.