Sue Allanson

Carving sculptures in stone, whilst living in Derbyshire seems the perfect environment for me to work in, being surrounded by limestone gorges and fossils. I have been working as a sculptor for the last 20 years. I am passionate about carving in stone and usually take my inspiration from the stone itself. That is why I often start by picking random pieces of stone in the quarry which may suggest a form to me. I may have an initial idea, but my way of carving directly onto the stone means that I can respond to the stone itself in the process. In this way I feel that stone carving for me is a dialogue between the stone and myself.

My work is influenced by the idea held by some African and Indian artists that they find the spirit within the stone. I am inspired by nature, mythology, Buddhist thought and I have a desire to express a deeper sense of consciousness through my sculptures.