I was asked about the preparation of the stone. Generally I find looking at the stone in its rough form gives me the idea what it will become in the end. Often I know what I have to carve or it is a commission and the end result dictates what the stone will become. I look at the stone, choose the top and the bottom, then proceed to level the base of the sculpture. It is easier to work with a flat surface while the rock is rough.
Harder rock has to be leveled with chisels and grinders.
However, since I have carve only in Soapstone and Alabaster I level the base with a good 'old' handsaw. Lately, I have become lazy and bought a second hand butcher band-saw which helps to get my flat base in less then five minutes. At times I use a diamond blade saw which cuts only 6 inch stone. However, it cuts through the hardest rock and therefore comes in handy at times. Both power saws require 220 volts and extra space.