METAPHYSICS OF STONE

Six giant heads have taken over Berkeley Square in London.  These works by sculptor, Emily Young are her most ambitious works yet.  The stones weigh from 1 tonne to 3 and have gorgeous variegations, showing the mix of minerals that melded together when the stone was formed over 150 000 years ago.

Some parts are smooth and silky, though Young has left on some  what she terms the ‘skin’: parts that have been touched by wind and rain.    This juxtaposition of natural and man-made is beautifully understated, leaving an feeling of reflection and contemplation.  We can’t help by  being awed by it all and the realisation that once upon a time, this stone was liquid and viscous.

You can read her artist’s statement here.  She wonders in her statement that the tools of stone cutting are cheap- she wonders why more people don’t take it up.   I’ll tell you why Emily, because it’s hard and dangerous (I’ve tried and nearly taken my hand off).  I think we should leave it to the experts and artists.

 

The Metaphyics of Stone can be seen in Berkeley Square, London, from Feburary 7 until April 25 2012. Admission free. A selection of Emily Young’s other works can be seen at The Fine Art Society, London, throughout February