Chaim Gross: Sculptor of Emotion and Family Chaim Gross (1902 – 1991) stands as a singular figure in American sculpture, recognized for his uncompromising approach to carving wood and bronze—a method he termed “direct carving.” Unlike many sculptors of his era who relied on molds or preparatory sketches, Gross meticulously shaped his figures from raw material, allowing the inherent qualities of the wood itself to inform the final form. This technique wasn’t merely stylistic; it represented a profound philosophical commitment to capturing the essence of human experience and familial bonds—a c…