Jaksic Stonemasonry
Workshop and Gallery

Altar, Ambo and Tabernacle in the Church of St. Lawrence – Based on a Model by Sculptor Kuzma Kovačić

- the interior of this church represents a fusion of contemporary sculptural expression and a rich sacred tradition. The project was executed in white Brač stone, following the conceptual design of one of Croatia’s most renowned sculptors – academician Kuzma Kovačić. Our workshop crafted all elements: the stone altar, ambo, and tabernacle, fully respecting the artistic vision of free spatial form, in contrast to rigid geometric lines. All stone elements are shaped to appear as if they were natural, almost untouched blocks, clearly bearing the sculptor’s signature. The surfaces are treated with various degrees of bush-hammering – stronger in some places, more delicate in others – creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, and adding depth to the material. The stone altar particularly draws attention with its form. The top surface is precisely finished and smoothed for liturgical use, while the sides feature a strong relief treatment. A subtle cross is engraved on the front of the altar – not dominant, but emerging from the stone’s mass like a revealed symbol of faith. The ambo follows the same sculptural logic – a freestanding form with gently curved lines, appearing both monolithic and elegant, in harmony with the church space. The tabernacle is especially striking – made from a single block of stone with irregular edges reminiscent of cloth. This reference to the Veil of Veronica adds symbolic depth. In the centre is a bronze element serving as a door, carefully embedded to protect the Eucharistic space within. This project, from the category of sacred architecture, shows how contemporary stone design can be deeply connected to liturgical meaning, respecting the spirituality of both space and material. White Brač stone, combined with exceptional craftsmanship, becomes a powerful medium of communication between art and faith.