In my studio this summer we poured a 200 pound block of plaster and then gradually chiseled away at it to carve something showing motion. I chose to do a long jumper for my piece since I was a long jumper in high school and absolutely loved it.
This project was an insane amount of work. Despite being done for a full day, my hand is still extremely sore, swollen, and I am unable to bend or straighten it all the way. I was so frustrated while working on this piece, I almost wanted to just quit. I even had an arm break off while working (which I am actually very happy that it did). However, despite how much I hated it while working, t was by far the best critique (at least most positive) I have ever had, and I think it may be my favorite piece that I have ever made (other than photographs).