I have been carving stone seriously since 2003, when I attended a stone carving workshop at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. For several years prior to this workshop I had played around with the idea of sculpting. Since that first workshop I’ve taken several others and read every book I could find regarding sculpture.

I would describe my work as abstract and interpretive realism. A sculpture which is abstract, for me, is one which has an intriguing shape. It may also show rhythm, movement, negative space, torque, sensuality, texture, or repetition of form which draw the eye around the sculpture. Interpretive realism is my impression of the human figure, animal, flower, et al., in which I allow myself liberties in the form to represent the idea of that object.

There are many ways in which to approach a sculpting project. Michelangelo said that he: “released the form within the stone.” This implies that you can see a form in the stone. What if you do not see a form within the stone? Do you wait for inspiration? Some stones in their natural state may look like something in particular. However, if your stone is a block with 4 flat sides, it just looks like a box. So, how do you start? What do you carve?

If your stone represents something in particular to you, by all means go for it. Otherwise, you may use a photo, or picture of something that you find interesting or pleasing to your eye. If you have clay available, make a model of what you’d like to carve. Or, with pencil and paper draw your sculpture from different angles. And last but not least, without any plans, just start working on the stone and see where it takes you. I’ve employed all of the above methods and find them all useful in their respective situations.

Soapstone was the first type of stone I tackled. It is typically a soft stone and is a great choice for a first project. I’ve added alabaster, limestone and marble to my list. Each stone has particular characteristics which may or may not work for a particular project. The hardness of the stone determines the sharpness of the sculptures lines and its delicate details.

In 2008, my dream of a studio on our property, in Catawba, VA, was achieved. It’s a wonderful open space which includes inside and outside carving areas. The inside carving area has 11 fully equipped carving stations. There is dedicated space for photography, a Gallery and a finish/library/gathering area.

I have been fortunate to partner with the local YMCA and their Open University classes. I offer a Monday night class that meets for 5 weeks, once in the fall and again in the spring. I also accept individuals on a per session or project basis. I love the process of carving and I also love the experience of allowing someone to find their way in this unique art form.

My work is held in private collections and has been shown at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Pulaski, Miller Off Main in Blacksburg. I have shown in art festivals in Lenoir, NC, Blacksburg, VA, Roanoke and Salem, VA. My sculpture can be seen at The Gallery in Radford and Gallery 108 in Roanoke, or at StoneWitch Studio Gallery in Catawba.