It is the primacy of direct carving that I love and that excites me when working in
stone I love engaging directly with the stone to create a form from the lines and
markings that are hidden within it
In my work I have been heavily influenced by both Brancusi and Maillol and like
them I search for a purification of form. I strive to reduce each sculpture that I create
(both figurative and abstract) to its bear minimum whilst still retaining the balance of
the form. My aim is that by reducing the form to its absolute essence the stone I
have selected to create the sculpture is able to shine through and reveal its full
beauty. The choice of stone that I select and use for carving each sculpture is
therefore critical to the final piece.
I select stones (often discarded boulders or offcuts) with interesting lines and
markings that will create that added dimension of colour and form to the piece. It is
these markings on the stones selected that dictate the final shape and form and
bring the piece to life.
My focus is always on achieving a balance between the identity of the natural
material and my own direction and mark making and I try to leave as light a touch as
possible on the stone to let the beauty and the past life of the stone shine through.