Stories
Helen & Finn: Stone carving
Stone carver Helen O’Connell based in Ireland & Irish fellow Finn Conlon
After studying English Literature at university, Helen thought she would go on to write. However, a trip to Russia sparked an interest in sculpture and she soon became determined to learn stone carving. After training in Ireland, she went on to learn from marble masters in Italy and Portugal, before ending up back in her homeland carving local Irish limestone.
Finn is a self-taught stone carver who recently completed a diploma in architectural stone carving in London. His background is in graphic design and he has been a trained art teacher since 2012. He first got hooked on stone sculpture in 2009 but was reticent to pursue it as a professional career until he furthered his knowledge through technical studies.
Suaimhneas
These two stools were hand carved from Iranian travertine and Carrara white marble, opulent materials that convey the sense of luxury and decadence often associated with the Art Deco period. Working in Bray, Ireland, master stone carver Helen and fellow Finn used power tools, a pneumatic hammer and chisels to work the stone and carve decorative Art Deco-inspired motifs. They named their stools after the Irish Gaelic word for ‘repose’.
Other stories
Subscribe to our newsletter
Presented by
