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Poseidon 2026 - the creation of a monumental stone sculpture

  • Jo Kley
  • Jan 2
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jan 5


I am currently working on a new commissioned sculpture that will be located in Czech Republic in summer. The sculpture represents Poseidon, the ruler over oceans, rivers, springs and lakes, and continues a spiral form that I have already developed within my cycle of the Twelve Olympic Gods. The spiral symbolizes movement, energy, and the ever-present power of water.


In early November 2025, my search for the right material took me to Larvik, Norway. There, I selected a large block of Larvikite, an exceptional igneous stone known for its depth, structure, and remarkable interaction with light. The stone block was prepared on site for heavy transport and reduced to a weight of approximately 28 tons.


In early December, the block was delivered to my open-air studio near Kiel, where the sculptural process takes place. Over the coming months, I will be working on shaping the figure directly from the stone. Working with a block of this scale is physically demanding — but above all, a great pleasure.


I warmly invite you to follow the creation of this work on my blog here on the website and through my social media channels, where I will be sharing insights into the ongoing process.



The model of Poseidon made of Larvikite (granite) from Norway. The base is made of granite (Bohus), which I will select in Sweden in the Summer.
The model of Poseidon made of Larvikite (granite) from Norway. The base is made of granite (Bohus), which I will select in Sweden in the Summer.
Poseidon from the front.
Poseidon from the front.
A quarry owned by the LUNDHS company in Larvik on the southern coast of Norway.
A quarry owned by the LUNDHS company in Larvik on the southern coast of Norway.

November 2025: I chose this 33-ton stone block. The LUNDHS company makes a saw cut along the marked line so that the shape of the stone block matches that of Poseidon. Weighing 28 tons, the block is ready for heavy transport to my studio.
November 2025: I chose this 33-ton stone block. The LUNDHS company makes a saw cut along the marked line so that the shape of the stone block matches that of Poseidon. Weighing 28 tons, the block is ready for heavy transport to my studio.
December 2025: The stone arrives at my studio on a flatbed truck.
December 2025: The stone arrives at my studio on a flatbed truck.
It's done — the stone has been unloaded.
It's done — the stone has been unloaded.
The stone has finally arrived, and I am happy that I can start my work.
The stone has finally arrived, and I am happy that I can start my work.
The work begins with the angle grinder — I cut the stone wet, so there is less dust.
The work begins with the angle grinder — I cut the stone wet, so there is less dust.
The first cuts.
The first cuts.
The first boreholes for the first split.
The first boreholes for the first split.
The first steps on the curve.
The first steps on the curve.
Even though it's dark here at four o'clock in the afternoon in December, I enjoy working under these conditions.
Even though it's dark here at four o'clock in the afternoon in December, I enjoy working under these conditions.
The first large piece has been removed.
The first large piece has been removed.
Work in progress.
Work in progress.
Frost on the stone.
Frost on the stone.
Dust at sunset.
Dust at sunset.
A new workday just before Christmas — it's cold, but the sun is shining.
A new workday just before Christmas — it's cold, but the sun is shining.
First snow in January.
First snow in January.

 
 
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