What is the primary function of rasps in sculpting?

Rasps are specialized tools used in sculpting primarily for shaping materials. They are designed with a rough texture that allows artists to remove material quickly and efficiently, refining the form and contours of a sculpture. The effectiveness of rasps in shaping stems from their ability to carve into various materials, such as wood, stone, or other media, to create desired shapes and details.

While tools like drills, sanders, and smoothing tools have their specific uses in the sculpting process—such as making holes, flattening surfaces, or polishing finishes—rasps are uniquely suited for the initial phase of material manipulation where the foundational shape is being established. This makes them indispensable in the sculpting toolkit for artists aiming to transform a raw block of material into a finely crafted piece of art.