CV
2006 – present
Self-employed stonemason/carver, having set up Mewstone Masonry as a sole trader.
Teaching day courses in Stone Carving
2001 – 2006
Worked for Keystone Masonry, near Salisbury, becoming a Director.
2000 – 2002
NVQ2&3 Architectural Stonemasonry and Carving at Bath College of Stonemasonry. Passed with Distinction.
Won award for most promising student.
1995 – 2000
On committee of Children’s Book Forum, organising judging and results for the Children’s Book Award. Running school illustration workshops.
1990 – 1993
Lived in Namibia, designed cards and ran children’s Art Workshops.
1988 – 1995
Wrote and illustrated 5 children’s books, published by Macmillans and Andersen Press.
Worked as a scenery painter at Salisbury Playhouse.
1986 – 1988
BTEC HND Illustration at CCAT, Cambridge School of Art. Passed with Distinction. Won Runner-up prize in Macmillan’s Children’s Illustration Competition.
1985 – 1986
Worked as 1st Mate on 49’ Yacht based in Salcombe.
1984 – 1985
Foundation Course in Art, Trent Polytechnic.
1974 – 1984
Attended Wells Cathedral School.
9 O Levels, 8 As and a B.
3 A Levels German, English and Art.
My career has been quite varied – I have been 1st mate on a 49’ yacht, worked for the RSPCA, written and illustrated children’s books and painted scenery for Salisbury Playhouse, but I've always been fascinated with stone and carving. At school in Wells, I spent hours in the Cathedral, absorbed by the energy and humanity of the masons’ work. Later, married to a geologist, I learnt about the formation and structure of stone.
I studied Stonemasonry at Bath College and have worked as a stonemason and carver since 2001, doing restoration, memorials and fireplaces and on pieces for Salisbury and Exeter cathedrals. I now work mainly on sculpture commissions in limestone, marble and alabaster. Having learnt the traditional skills from stonemasons, who treat the stone with respect and honesty, my work is practical and non sentimental.
I am inspired by art of different cultures, geometry and nature, but mostly carve the natural form – I enjoy trying to capture the animal’s individual character and spirit – discovering more about the stone itself, its limitations and possibilities.
I now live and work in Aveton Gifford with my husband, Andy and dog, Bonnie. Aveton Gifford was known historically as ‘the village of the masons’, and my workshop stands on the 15th century stone bridge that spans the Avon, on the edge of the village. I run stonecarving courses on request, but I’m always happy to see anyone who would like to call in on their way past!
Commissions
If you are interested in commissioning a sculpture or stone carving please get in touch. I am very happy to meet you in my workshop, or to visit you to discuss any ideas you might have, the type of stone and perhaps to see where the piece would be sited.
I can then give an estimate of the costs before producing drawings and perhaps a small clay maquette for your consideration. Once we have agreed on a design, I can order the stone and start making your unique and beautiful artwork.
You will be involved all the way though the process, to ensure you are happy with your individual piece of sculpture.
Current and Future Exhibitions
South West Sculptors Exhibition
Forms to Inspire - Bishops Palace, Wells
30 June - 24 September 2023
Cotswold Sculpture Park
The Paddocks, Somerford Keynes
Gloucs GL7 6FE
Recent Exhibitions
Delamore Arts, Cornwood, Devon
1 May - 31 May 2023
Delamore Arts and Sculpture Exhibition takes place annually, every day in May including Bank Holidays and is open from 10.30 to 16.30 daily. Admission is £8 (Under 16s Free), Pre-booking required.
https://www.delamore-art.co.uk
The exhibition presents the largest collection of artists' work in one place in the South West.
South West Sculptors Exhibition
Symondsbury Gallery - Lyme Bay Arts
August 2022