STONE. Handbags and Jackets carved from STONE. Stunning. This is the work of American artist Barbara Segal. How, when and where did she learn how to turn pink Oynx into a Chanel bag? Here is just a small chunk of her story:

In 1972, while a student at Pratt Institute, NY, Segal resolved to spend both her junior and senior years at the distinguished École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts (ENSB-A), Paris, to study stone carving with teachers like René Collamarini with whom she later exhibited at the Musée Rodin. Segal then moved to Italy where she spent time over the next four years in both Pietrasanta and Carrara working at the Studio Sem, the Fonderia Luigi Tommasi and SGF Studio Scultura. She returned to New York City in the late-70s knowing she could create whatever she chose in stone. America’s evolving culture with its pop and fashion icons would prove a continuing source of inspiration.  However, to this day, what Segal chooses to create is personal; her creations provide insight into her passions, struggles and quirky wit.

And with a bio like that, I have to include a photo of Barbara in action:

Whoa.