The Initial Idea.

This sculpture was actually inspired by some good friends. Having met them after many years they came up with the idea of having me carve a Portland Stone Tori Gateway for their Zen garden. Life can be strange at times, recurring patterns of memories and coincidences. The very first stone I carved was for the Sculptor Phillip King, 40 years ago. A rough Portland Stone boulder carved into a bowl for his Zen Garden installation at the Tout Quarry Sculpture Park on the Isle of Portland.

This first carving became a catalyst, the start of a long relationship with this beautiful material. ( We have broken up at certain times! Well it broke or cracked. But we always get back together.) As I was carving the round basin I began to rub my knuckles against the sides of the stone. Which was quite painful so I angled the chisel to prevent this and the tool marks began to form a beautiful spiral. Phillip really liked this pattern. Very Zen.

Creating The Design

As with any commission we started by discussing the project. If it should be carved out of one block of stone or several? The rough size and design. How it would be transported. My friends sent me a very useful design which gave me a good base to work from. We agreed that it would be best to make the Tori out of separate elements, cutting the weight down making it easier for transportation and installation.

I then did my own research looking at all the different styles of Tori gates. Seeing which could be suitable in shape and proportion to be carved in Portland Stone. I decided to introduce a few curves to the design to soften the hard angles. Also to use different tooling textures to give the final piece some subtlety.

I needed a full size drawing to see the proportions, adjusting dimensions for strength and aesthetic reasons. Then making a list of the individual stones sizes. I sourced my stones at a local quarry on the Isle of Portland hunting around the off-cuts with their stonemason and found some lovely grained blocks that would be perfect. ( It was like being in a sweet shop as a kid!)

Carving the Stones and Fitting

The off-cuts of Portland stone first needed to be cut to size using a diamond bladed grinder. Then the faces honed using a spinner and sanding disc. This will leave some machine marks on the surface so I needed to hand sand using a tungsten rubbing block to get the effect I desired. The curves were then carved and finished.

Subsequently I prepared the pinning of the stones. Always measuring twice and drilling once! If not three times. Then I washed all of the stones making sure that there was no dust, especially in the drilled holes. Using 8mm stainless steel threaded bar cut to size I assembled the elements using an epoxy resin by Harbro Supplies Ltd (Stone-bond Vertical Mastic.) I always present the stones together dry with the pins in place to make sure that once the resin is applied everything fits. You don’t want to find things don’t fit properly as the resin begins to set. I’m talking from past lessons learnt.

The main stone is attached to the base with pins running through which are bolted into place.

The Viewing

The moment of truth! Will my friends like my interpretation of their initial idea? I moved the stones with the help of Andy, (a strong friend) down the 3 flights of stairs from my flat. Yes I always choose difficulty as a sculptor, keeps me fit (to drop) We then assembled the Tori in the garden being especially careful not to chip any edges. Awaiting with baited breath for their visit and response. Yay or nay?

Well it was a Yay. Yoopie. It surpassed their highest expectations. So pleased and of course one very chuffed Sculptor. Although this project was very different from my personal work it did inspire me in many ways. Giving me ideas for future sculptures. Watch this space.

In the Zen Garden

Finally the Tori Gate was installed in the Zen garden. Its so satisfying to see my work set in someones home and it will be interesting to see how it ages and patinates over time. Please take the time to visit my Sculpture page I would really appreciate any feedback. Can you see a connection between the Tori and my personal work?

My Most Recent Sculpture

I’m really pleased with this last sculpture made out of Portland Stone & Mild steel. It’s been a while since I had the idea and making it real is so satisfying. Only problem is that it’s given me loads of future sculptures to make. The variations are endless. I do like the advice of Sculptor Isamu Noguchi ” Just make something and the idea will come afterwards.” Also how the American Sculptor David Smith talked about not being able to physically make all of his ideas into Sculptures. The brains imagination leaps ahead to what could be. But the hands take a little longer to make them in the real world.

Inspiration

At times I have a job trying to remember what inspired me to make a particular sculpture. Could it be my School visit to Cheddar Caves and the fabulous Stalactites and Stalagmites? (‘mites go up and the ‘tites come down.) Or could it be my fascination with reflections in water. The half seen boulder eventually covered by the incoming tide? I think it’s a combination of these memories, milling around my brain. Combining with the knowledge of the materials I use and how to make the sculpture concrete. ( Mistakes are made until I find the solution!)

I particularly like the combination of different materials in my Sculptures. Contrasting their innate strengths. Steel for its tensile strength and linear sharpness. Stone for its Solidity, Grain and Mass.

Not forgetting that amazing force in nature called Gravity. The weakest force in the universe. For sculptors this is what we play with. How the Sculpture stands. Before sculptures were placed on a plinth disconnecting it from the ground. The sculptor Brancusi was the first to integrate the base with his work. Becoming a unity. His work is so inspirational. One of my heroes.

Now on Show at Sculpture by the Lakes

I am so pleased to be showing my work at Sculpture by the Lakes. Such a fantastic venue. The sculptures come alive when their placed in this setting. The trees striving upwards for light and the ripples moving along the lakes surface. A big thank you to Simon, Monique Gudgeon as well as Lyn who helped me install the sculpture along the trail. Do have a visit there is such a great selection of different styles of sculptures and material your bound to find something you like. Also great food. Yum yum.

Onto the Next Idea

As a painter can’t paint or draw without paper or canvas. Neither can a sculptor carve without any materials. So off to choose some nice blocks of stone at the Dorset supplier Southern Stone. They have a great range of tools and different marbles, soapstone’s. Lets see where I go from there? Tonnes of ideas. Feel free to follow me and any feedback is appreciated. Off chipping.

I will be showing my Artwork at this stunning venue during the Dorset Arts Festival 2020 at Sculpture by the Lakes. Really looking forward to demonstrating my carving technique. There will be lots of other Artists and Craftspeople there working in different materials and techniques. You have to book online for a visit. I’ve copied more information from the Sculpture by the Lakes Website. Do visit and I hope to see you there for this fantastic event. It’s been a hard time for us all, so do support your local Dorset artists and creatives. Visit my Website to see my selection of sculptures.

Some of the Sculptures I Will be Showing

Demonstrating Stone Carving Technique.

Dorset Arts Festival 3rd-5th July. 10.00-5.00

Dorset Arts Festival is a brand new three-day festival showcasing the best artists and makers in Dorset. We will have over 50 artists and crafters gathered together at Sculpture by the Lakes. They will also be demonstrating their skills. You will be able to watch paintings being created, pots being thrown, jewellery being made and a whole range of other arts and crafts disciplines. Our aim is to make the whole festival about seeing artists and crafters demonstrate their skills and exhibit their work so you can see and understand the process. 

Entry £12.50 Book online. No Children under 14 or dogs.

Safety

We are taking all necessary precautions to safeguard the welfare of our staff and visitors. Some of the challenges ahead are down to us as individuals – our judgment and our common sense. Social distancing and hygiene are of the utmost importance so please bring hand sanitiser with you

*We want to maintain social distancing so you must now book your tickets for entry to the park online. When you arrive just show your ticket at the window. Please do not come into the office. 

*The Gallery Café is operating a TAKEAWAY SERVICE so you can purchase food and drink to eat in the park. This includes picnics as well as drinks, coffee and cakes. Please do not come into the Café – we will operate from a table by the cafe and take your order. We are ONLY accepting payment by contactless credit card, no cash transactions. 

*We have spread all the tables and chairs out for safe distancing and scattered them around the park so you can find a safe place to enjoy your food.

Portland Stone Carving Workshops for Beginners Weymouth Dorset

During the Portland Stone Carving Workshops in Weymouth for the Dorset Art Weeks event, I was so excited to see the passion and addictive nature of hand carving by the first time students. Each student demonstrated passion, enthusiasm and skills. Just like handwriting, all the carvers had their own particular style. Some very precious and detailed. Others were slightly rougher and brut. Consequently giving each sculpture its personality.

One particular enthused Student was so passionate that within a week she acquired stone carving chisels, stone and a sturdy table made by her husband. Now happily chipping away in the garden on the next sculpture. Others asking for dates for future workshops to advance their skills and create other unique sculptures.

Some of the Students recognised the therapeutic qualities and directness of hand carving. Which reminded me of my earlier years as an Artist discovering Stone for the first time. I had worked a lot in clay but hated the plasticity and the apprehensive moments of waiting to see your piece coming out of the kiln intact or in pieces. Stone carving happens there and then.

Earlier Workshops

 I set up this workshop with a local Primary School in France. The children were working on a project about the Romans and an aqueduct that they built in the local area. The border depicts the course of the aqueduct from Uzes to Nimes in the Provence. An engineering feat, with the “Pont du Gard” being its most spectacular part.

Regardless of the feat awaiting them. After an introduction to the Tools, Stone and techniques. The children carved as a team, with no preconceptions lots of passion and sweat. We then decided to paint the stone as indeed the Romans did to brighten up their final oeuvre. Can you spot the Comet? The Stone was finally placed in their Playground to inspire future generations.

Subsequently, years after I was invited back to clean the carving. Additionally, I would have the students assistance who had carved the masterpiece. However, I was, of course, surprised as they were all young adults! Time flies.

DARSET Project.

I was invited to take part in “Common Ground”. set up the D.A.R.S.E.T. project, (Dorcheter Area Rural Schools Education Team. Taking sculpture out into rural areas, connecting it to the landscape and local communities. I asked the involved schools to research any stones that were found in their locality. Using these to inspire them and to use for the design of their sculpture.

The results were amazing. One of the ideas came from a piece of Flint that the children had found by their playground. This inspired them to carve reliefs of Stone-age tools. Axes, hammers. Also what the tools could do, creating fire!

Piddle Valley First School decided to carve their school. I love the use of textures and the strong sculptural form. I think we can all appreciate the hard-work and passion that these young carvers have invested

The young budding sculptors weren’t afraid to hit hard with their hammers.

I will be holding further Portland Stone Carving Workshops in the future. Just go to my Workshops page for more details. The workshops are suitable for first-timers and also those who would like to improve their carving skills. 12 yrs+. So why not come and have a go? You can then proudly take your sculpture home to show to your friends and family.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
― Pablo Picasso

I’ve just finished carving my most recent Abstract Stone Sculpture in beautiful Portland Basebed. Really pleased with the result. It started off with an elliptical shape I appear to use quite regularly. As people have favourite colours for no apparent reason,( mine is blue) I have my favourite shapes!

“Shield”

.”Shield II” Portland Stone, Hardwood. 81.5 x 36 x 26 cms.

Its only after the carving of the sculpture that I can stand back and see the influences, forms that have inspired me. Surfboards, tribal shields, leaves. Take your pick?

So I,m pretty busy at the moment getting ready for the Dorset Art Weeks in a couple of months showing with other talented local artists. Carving on my days off from working as a Health Care Assistant and when it isn’t snowing!

The year has started off quite well, showing my sculptures at different galleries. Fingers crossed! But as usual, there were a few hiccups. My good old Honda generator gave up on me, full of stone dust and obviously tired from my lack of attention.( Like topping it up with oil).

Then I decided to try my hand at carving Slate. I love the tight grain and the bluey-grey colour. Everything was going quite well as I carved the first stone only to find at the final polish that there was a small crack running through the middle! Well as I can be quite stubborn I started on another slab, checking it beforehand. Only to find another crack!

I then decided to change to another stone and found some Irish Limestone which carved beautifully. Here’s the result.

Latest Abstract Sculpture “Leap”

“Leap” Irish and Portland Stone. 37.6 x 32.4 x 11.6 cms.

Obviously, my most recent Abstract Stone Sculpture is a continuous process. Still making others! Looking forward to any feedback and I hope you enjoy this little insight into my creative processes. Feel free to share and hopefully you might find the time to see the finished abstract sculptures during the Dorset Art Weeks. I will be animating a few taster stone carving workshops if you fancy a try? Dates and times to be fixed. Watch this space.