I think I always wanted to work with stone but didn't have the opportunity until about 4 years ago. My Dad was a stone restorer, carver and mason as was my Grandfather and I know that they both worked on buildings as iconic as Canterbury Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Lambeth Palace and Somerset House, so I guess it was already in my genes.

 
From a young age, before the days of health and safety regulations, I would frequently go to work with my father and came to appreciate the work and artistry that we so often miss or take for granted in the buildings that surround us. I loved seeing stone in various states of restoration and his contribution to this process.. Bits unused often ending up in our garden at home; still there today.

In my early twenties after my Dad died, I looked into a career in stone carving but alas then it wasn't accessible to women so I'm making up for it now.
I work wherever and whenever possible and I'm fortunate to have in my possession my Dad's old tools, so there's a bit of him with me when I'm working. I just love making pieces in stone. From the process of choosing the material, it's form and texture, to realising the piece. It's a totally mindful experience. 

I'd encourage everyone to try stone carving /sculpting but don't wait until your fifty like me ! 
Since my last birthday in 2015 I've made being creative my mantra; so far so good. I now incorporate making and immersing myself in art weekly, daily when work allows.

I draw my inspiration from everywhere but especially from other artists.
The architect Zaha Hadid , photographer Judy Chicago, land artist Anna Mendieta and of course the sculptor Barbara Hepworth. I love her work, how it just sits in the landscape and melts into it . ... All art imitates life eh?