# Hand-Carved Cave Cathedrals Sculptor Ra Paulette Transforms Natural Settings into Works of Art By Meghan Young | Published 2013-12-05 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ra-paulette References: [visualnews](http://www.visualnews.com/2013/12/03/stunning-hand-carved-cave-cathedrals-ra-paulette/) & [messynessychic](http://www.messynessychic.com/2013/11/29/for-sale-hand-carved-cave-cathedral/) The work of Ra Paulette is absolutely breathtaking. He is an artist whose choice canvas for the last 25 years has been caves. But instead of painting on the walls like [ancient people](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/echoes-of-time), Ra Paulette carves into them. Intricate and unplanned, his designs rival the grandeur and detail of [European churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aydc-public-art-centre). Perhaps that is why they are perfect for reflection and meditation. 67 years old, Ra Paulette states, "Manual labor is the foundation of my self expression. To do it well, to do it beautifully, is a “whole-person” activity, engaging mental and emotional strengths as well as physical strength." Calling his trade "the dance of digging," Ra Paulette is the subject of an award-winning documentary directed by Jeffrey Karoff called 'Cave Digger.' One of his caves is on sale for $995,000. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 70% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Cave Artistry:** The art of carving intricate designs into cave walls, creating breathtaking works of art. - **Reflection and Meditation Spaces:** Creating tranquil environments in natural caves for people to reflect and meditate. - **Documentary Filmmaking:** Telling the stories of unconventional artists and their unique creative processes through award-winning documentaries. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Sculpture:** Opportunity to explore unconventional mediums and techniques to create innovative and captivating artworks. - **Wellness and Mindfulness:** Meeting the growing demand for tranquil spaces that promote reflection, meditation, and mental well-being in natural settings. - **Film and Entertainment:** Capturing the stories of extraordinary artists and their work through compelling documentaries that engage and inspire audiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cave-Enclosed Residency Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transhumances-iii.md) - [Cave-Like Retail Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cavelike-interior.md) - [Geometric Cave-Like Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cavelike-homes.md) - [Illuminated Cave-Like Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/javier-senosiain-arquitectos.md) - [Mexican Heritage-Honoring Art Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/racesroots.md) - [Mexican Heritage Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/racesroots-exhibition.md) - [Cave-Like Folded Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wild-house.md) - [Artful Meditative Sculptural Caves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drawing-on-space.md) - [Unseen Artist Masterpieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michelangelos-untold-works.md)