Latest News
The joy of new tools
Tools do eventually wear out, their useful life comes to an end. I feel disgruntled and out of sorts when they do. They’ve become shaped to my hand, I’ve got used to how they work, I’ve sharpened them and they have served me well. Stone is a particularly punishing material on tools, especially […]
Swallow Fledge
This is my baby swallow – it is the only one that hatched from the clutch of eggs and as a singleton, has had all the devoted care of both parents and all the food. It has surprised me over the last couple of days in clambering out of the nest and shuffling along […]
Demonstration of Stone Carving
There’ll be chips flying, hammer blows and quite a bit of dust – and probably aching arms too! On Saturday 2nd August I will be demonstrating stone carving in Helmsley as part of the town’s celebrations for Yorkshire Day (1st August, 2014). I have been invited by Helmsley Galleries to join the special event […]
Squirrel Sculpture
Squirrel – Ancaster Limestone – 8″ x 6″ x 8″ My Squirrel sculpture is one of the pieces I’ll be exhibiting at the Masham Gallery ‘Animal Magic’ exhibition – 25th July to 31st August, 2014.
Writ in stone
All around me just now there’s a frenzy of clanging and growling machinery cutting meadows, turning hay, baling and bringing in. While the sun shines. It is a good feeling to reap and stock the rewards of sowing and nurturing crops – I know from my own vegetable plot. Recently I came across this […]
A small bird with a big voice
There is a Wren in the sycamore tree just outside my workshop, singing his heart out – he’s built nests in the sheds and is calling females to let them know. For such a tiny bird, he makes a huge sound and I can hear his insistent call over my hammering! It is thought […]
Oatmill Cottage – open garden
The National Gardens Scheme – Yorkshire Gardens 2014 On Friday evening I drove out over the moors to Oatmill Cottage in Lealholm – the roads are narrow, steep in places, and winding so it is an unhurried and steady journey. I was surprised by how much colour there was in the heather for this […]
Swallow Sculpture
Sleeping Swallow – in Soapstone My sculpture is often described as being ‘inspired by wildlife’, but here with the swallow it was very directly and intensely. You’ll know from my last post, that I found a dead swallow, and have felt heart-broken about it. The result was a very strong compulsion to carve something […]
A bad week for my birds
You know how it is when birds come to your garden, feed, bathe, nest – you feel pleased and proud they have chosen you to be with – and you call them ‘your’ birds. Well, my birds have had a bad time, and I’ve felt very sad about it this week. First my swallows […]
Open Studio – back to a workshop
On Sunday night, after my last visitors from North Yorkshire Open Studios left, it felt strangely quiet in the workshop. After two weekends full of laughter, talk, music, socialising, friendliness and warmth, I sat on my own, reflecting and feeling tired, and pretty emotional actually! Thanks to all who came and brought me joy […]