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foCus oN:<br />
pierced vessel by alyosha moeran<br />
How much is it going for? About £650.<br />
How did this piece come about? I like the idea of trying to pare something down to see how fine you<br />
can get it. It is about exploring the idea of fragility. Stone represents solidity and permanence through<br />
time. I wanted to make something the exact opposite of that.<br />
What is it made from? Slate.<br />
How long did it take? If I kept at it, I could do it in a few days. But it’s best to work at it on and off over<br />
several weeks, otherwise I’m more likely to break it.<br />
What was the technique? Hand tools, an angle grinder and lots of sanding discs.<br />
How do you think sculpture is perceived? People tend to see sculpture as installation work, something<br />
abstract, which they may find visually challenging and difficult to ‘understand’.<br />
My work covers a spectrum between craft and sculpture. My practice as a carver involves many different<br />
aspects of stonework and I prefer not to make too much of a distinction between art and craft. I<br />
make public art, tables and fireplaces, ‘impractical bowls’ and ‘acoustic sculptures’ and I feel that they<br />
are all connected.<br />
What inspired you to be a stone carver? I was a student at Cambridge, where I loved the gargoyles at<br />
King’s College and the ribbed vaulting in the chapel. I also love the British Museum, the marble statues<br />
in the Greek section, how the marble was carved to look and feel transparent.<br />
How did you learn your craft? I trained as an architectural stonemason at the Building Craft College<br />
and later studied restoration stone carving at the City and Guilds London School of Art. I had a stint<br />
as a volunteer stonemason at the National Trust before ending up as an assistant to the sculptor Hamish<br />
Horsley. I worked with him on the carvings at the Tibetan Peace Garden at the Imperial War Museum.<br />
What skills do you need to be a good stone carver? Hand skills and patience…lots of it.<br />
What’s your favourite piece of public art? Can I include my own? A relief carving on the side of a<br />
wall at Batley Health Centre with a pierced window.<br />
Alyosha Moeran shares a studio with Guy Stevens. This is open for Artwave weekends, beginning 27th<br />
August. Upper Stoneham Farm, BN8, just outside <strong>Lewes</strong>, near Earwig Corner www.alyoshamoeran.co.uk<br />
W W W. V i Va L E W E s . C o M<br />
a r t<br />
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