Artists skillfully manipulate the natural properties of stone to create striking contrasts between opaque and translucent sections, elevating the visual impact of their sculptures. By carefully selecting materials like alabaster, marble, or onyx—which exhibit varying degrees of light permeability—they harness light as an active design element.

The process begins with meticulous stone selection, where artists examine raw blocks under strong backlighting to identify translucent zones. Master carvers then use specialized tools to thin certain areas, transforming dense stone into luminous panels while leaving adjacent sections thick for opacity. This interplay creates dramatic transitions where light appears to emerge from within the sculpture itself.

Advanced techniques include:

1. Differential polishing - Applying high-gloss finishes to translucent areas while texturing opaque sections

2. Strategic backlighting - Positioning sculptures near light sources to maximize glow effects

3. Layered carving - Creating depth by stacking translucent and opaque stone layers

Contemporary artists often combine traditional carving methods with modern technology, using LED lighting systems embedded within stone bases to enhance the contrast effect. The resulting artworks demonstrate how material mastery transforms static stone into dynamic compositions that change appearance throughout the day as lighting conditions evolve.

This artistic approach not only showcases technical skill but also creates metaphorical depth, with the opaque sections representing solidity and the translucent areas suggesting ethereal qualities—a physical manifestation of duality in art.