Jamie Metcalfe

Union, ME

3

0 Following 3 Followers

I have been building with stone for 15 years. Lately I have been branching out into stone art and monuments. I am passionate about truth, love and other things that can be relied upon.

Like power tools! I use a large gas powered saw to start my pieces but most of the carving is done by hammer and chisel. Any lingering saw marks are removed with a cutting torch.

My materials are abundant here in and around Union, Maine. Gravel pits and the edges of farmers' fields are my treasure troves. I buy rock by the ton for the construction of chimneys and walls. As I fit the pieces of stone together, I set aside rocks for art.

As a stonemason I seek the utility of every stone I place. As an artist, I seek the spirit of every stone I can come into contact with. More accurately, I want to know what every rock has to say to me, what I think it presents and represents.

In my opinion, most sturdy rocks just want to be fitted snugly so that they can bear a heavy load with dignity. But some resist the common order. Intrinsic flaws, superfluous inclusions and other unruly variables have prevented these stones from assuming a practical geometry. They serve their own purpose. They are intended to be seen.

These are the rocks that I pick for my art. I try not to interfere with their more attractive elements. In this way I try to show everybody the beauty that awes me every day. It seems the proper thing to do.

I hope you enjoy my work as much as I did!