The hammer, chisel, mallet and axe are used for hitting stone, and known as percussion tools. They were the earliest stone carving implements used in many countries around the world and they are still used today.
I have been asked this week to take over The Visual Arts Scotland Instagram page to give an insight into my work as a Sculptor and Letter Carver. One of the themes I was asked to explore was who are my artistic influences ? If I was asked to name artists or creatives who have influenced my work or whose work excites or inspires me in someway, I would have to say Alberto Giacometti, Eric Gill and Ian Hamilton Finlay. I also admire the work of the famous Barbara Hepworth, and the contemporary sculptors, Emily Young, and Mel Fraser.
Simon Burns-Cox and Steven Murray who are based at The Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop have recently completed a commission for Scottish Rugby. They were asked to make this year’s Hall of Fame Award 2020 for Mr Doddie Weir. The bronze sculpture of a rugby cap is replicated each year with the recipient’s name carved into the slate base. The award ceremony has not yet taken place. For further information, please visit Simon Burns-Cox’s website at http://simonburnscox.co.uk/
During this strange time in the world of lockdown, I have had time to create some more work using different types of marble. I wanted to make small beautiful sculptures which would remind people of the beauty of life and to transport them away from the harsh world we live in at the moment.
Drystone walls first appeared in North West Europe in the Neolithic age and the traditional building technique has been used ever since throughout the world. The walls can be made from slate, granite or other types of stone. Unlike brick walls, the drystone wall contains no mortar and earth is used to bind the stones together. This means that it is more durable and held together by the weight of the stone, and the skill of the builder who needs to select and fit the stones together.
When you commission a gravestone, there are some important things you need to decide before the work commences. One of the most important decisions you will need to make is to think about the inscripton. This will need to be done before deciding on the design.
Simon Burns-Cox who is a professional Sculptor and Letter Carver based in Edinburgh, Scotland is now advertising his work through the new website of The Cotswold Sculpture Park in Gloucestershire. His work can be found at the following links:
At the moment, I am in the process of creating a garden path for a client using Stepping Stones with handcarved lettering and designs. This is a unique way of creating an orginal garden and a special way to commemorate a person or an occasion.
Are you looking for a beautiful and unusual gift for your loved one this Christmas ? Why not give them a luxury handmade Marble Exterior Sculpture for the garden or any outdoor space however small? Simon Burns-Cox is a professional Sculptor and Letter Carver based in Edinburgh, Scotland, and creates beautiful exterior Marble Sculptures which are ideal for any garden or urban space.
There are a variety of Stone Carving Courses with Simon Burns-Cox held at The Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop throughout the year. There are group courses with a maximum of five participants and individual tuition in sculpture, stone carving, letter carving and relief carving at flexible times.
