Stone Leaf Sculpture

April 8, 2018June 21, 2020Leave a comment

Portland Stone Leaf Sculpture In the Making

This is a stone leaf sculpture I’m carving for the next exhibition in Weymouth. Art With a View, Dorset Art Weeks, 26th May-10th June, Venue 228.15, Old Castle Road, Weymouth. DT4 8QB. With other fantastically talented local artists, Olivia Nurrish, Andrea Frankham Hughes, Clare Francis Buckle.

This sculpture was inspired by previous work as well as the natural forms of leaves. No two the same. Their beautiful curves evolved to capture sunlight,( a bit like my sculptures?)

Block of Portland Stone for Leaf Sculpture

Working from the chosen block of Portland Stone and a rough idea, I begin by sketching out some profiles of curves. I guess a sculpture is an infinite amount of silhouettes that become a form.

Roughing out Stone Leaf Sculpture

After the tracing of the shape, I begin roughing out the form using a stone grinder. Trying to get as close to the form as possible without going too far! Which unfortunately sometimes it does! Still learning.

Then using chisels to refine the shape. Finally adjusting any bumps or dips using different grades of sandpaper until I’m happy with the result.

Leaf Stone Sculpture

Next comes the base. Which is actually quite difficult to choose. I do like the contrast of using another material, Wood, Steel, which compliment the sculpture. Still trying to figure out this one. Maybe a tree trunk would work? Watch this space.

While carving this sculpture so many different permutations have suggested themselves. I’ve learnt over time not to try and do everything in just one piece. To finish my original idea and then to move onto the next one. Some patience is involved as stone carving is a lengthy process

So I hope you’ve enjoyed this small insight into my working progress. Will post some pictures of the final sculpture ASAP. Obviously, for the tactile side of my work, you’ll have to come to the exhibition to see for yourselves. I will be holding some taster stone carving workshops for those of you who fancy some chipping! Have a look at my workshop page for details, dates and times will soon be fixed. Looking forward to seeing you there.

How I Carve an Abstract Stone Sculpture

February 14, 2018July 1, 2020Leave a comment

The Creative Process

Thought I would just show you, How I Carve an Abstract Stone Sculpture. In this particular piece, I was inspired by different curves, how they cross and intersect. It’s a recurrent theme that has been inspiring me for many of my work,s. It’s been carved in a piece of Portland Basebed Stone, which has a beautiful fine grain. Perfect for a light polish.

The Idea

Sketch of " Cut" Sculpture. — Sketch of ” Cut ” Sculpture

To begin with I make a few rough sketches. Giving me different proportions and forms. As you can see there’s another idea on the page for reflecting pebbles. Will have to get back to that one. From one initial idea, there can be so many variations. It’s difficult for your hands to keep up with your imagination.

The Portland Stone

The next stage is finding the right stone for the sculpture. I find it really helpful to have a stock of different sized stones to choose from. After selecting the appropriate stone. ( I always check the grain of the Stone, making sure there are no faults.) However it wouldnt be the first time, when finishing a piece a crack appears! I then draw out the profile by hand which gives me a reference to the final form. Of course Portland has a couple of good quarries where you can find some off-cuts to carve. I source my stones at Albion Stone.

Sketching out of profile on Block of Portland Stone

Carving The Profile

Then I use stone grinders and spinners to rough out the profile. While I’m carving I can then refine the curves, finding the correct shape.

Roughing out stone sculpture — Carving The Profile

Roughing out the Form

Sculpture is the Art of the Hole and the Bump.
Auguste Rodin

The next step is to find its three-dimensional form. I begin by drawing out chamfers which are progressively carved smaller and smaller. In brief the width of each chamfer determines the finished shape.

Shaping the form — Roughing out main form.

Refining the Form

The sculpture is then refined using files and different grades of abrasive papers. Its during this process, that I work out any small bumps or dips. All and all the imperfections that are not seen by eye are really found out by my hands passing over the surface. After I then work out the base, trying different stones, sizes, textures. I then drill through each stone to insert stainless steel rods. Finally, these are fixed in place by using a strong stone epoxy glue.

Ready for assemble — The Refined Shape with Base

Final Abstract Stone Sculpture

“Cut” Portland Stone

So I hope you have enjoyed this little insight into how I work. Moreover, I will be busy getting ready for the Dorset Art Weeks in a few months. Additionally tutoring a few taster stone carving workshops for those that fancy getting creative and will be setting dates, details as we come closer. So without delay its time to get chipping!

Carving Stone Sculptures

October 31, 2017August 28, 2018Leave a comment

Working on a few sculptures at the moment. Quite like the mayhem playing through various ideas, materials and forms. Watching them pull together. Just having the materials around me gives me inspiration for other projects. Dust everywhere! Carving Stone Sculptures.

Here’s a few pics of works in progress and the disorder that will hopefully result in some interesting pieces.