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Ask the Artist
What is your favourite type of stone to work with?
Although I have carved in many stones ranging from alabaster to granite, I would say that my preferred material is limestone, either French or Portuguese. Limestone is the most satisfying stone for me to work with, because it enables me to achieve great detail.
What inspired you to become a stone sculptor?
When I was young, I had creative ideas conceptually, but was weak in my technical ability. It wasn’t until I was in my mid-twenties, when I discovered sculpture. When I turned to stone, the concept of working in something hard, rather than soft, was like seeing the sun rising for the first time. My friend E.B. Cox taught me about sculptural balance, and where to find unusual stone.
What are some of your most proud works?
It's tough to pin down just one particular favourite! I find the process of sculpting to be liberating. I need to separate myself from what is my next masterpiece; otherwise I would hinder my creative process. My favourites often change from year to year, as every request provides me with a new challenge. I've carved dogs, lions and even water buffalo into granite for the entrance to a large home. For one project in particular, a client was inspired by the infamous fireplace located in the bedroom of Napoleon I, dated between 1890 and 1905. One of my most interesting projects was the "Sun Face", carved in a Rosal Limestone for a client in Texas, in which she permitted me to make a mold before shipping it.
What accounts for the popularity of stone fireplaces?
There has been more of a focus in the home lately, due to increasingly busy schedules; family time has become a greater priority. People want warmth and beauty in their home, reflecting their personal taste. The living room tends to be the focal point of the house, as it is usually the first thing friends see when they walk in the door.
How do you design your fireplace creations?
We specialize in both original stone pieces and cast stone fireplaces. The design phase involves drawing inspiration from art and architecture, and creating sketches and layouts. The look is determined by factors such as space and balance. I generally try to get a feel for the client's taste. Then we measure the dimensions to know what sizes might limit us, before we start shaping the layout.
Once the design is planned out, the sculpting stage begins. From the originals carved, I create molds so that I can cast these fireplace mantels in stone, and not just a cement mold. I use a unique blend of materials so that the cast pieces look strikingly like aged limestone, which is the most important part of the process.