Chasing Form

Mark Stonestreet is a UK-based abstract stone sculptor with over twenty years of practice, known for creating works that are both captivating and thought-provoking. With a deep passion for transforming raw stone into refined, expressive forms, his sculptures are distinguished by their abstract structures, flowing lines, and striking contrasts of surface and texture. ‘Marks sculptures are a playful investigation into line, definition and geometry. Working with negative space, light and shadow, Mark gives each of his sculptures direction and flow. Lines direct the form, textures are contrasted and complemented, and shapes are contorted into new, enticing arrangements. Yet each design maintains a sense of Mark’s own, free hand carving, allowing his works to develop in an open and instinctive manner’.

Mark’s career has been shaped by five years working alongside the master temple carvers of Tamil Nadu, India, and three years as a restoration mason in Fribourg, Switzerland. He has exhibited widely across the UK and Europe, and his work is represented in public and private collections in India, the USA, Europe, and the UK. Today, he divides his time between his studio in South India and his workshop in the South Downs.

Benji’s current work focuses on the inherent properties of stone, from its rough raw state to the finely honed. His work is a continued experience of the quarrying process and is a reflection of his relationship with the Purbeck coastline, where he now lives. Honouring the stone in its original form, often reminiscent of ancient standing stones, his sculptures echo the long history of mans connection to the raw material. Preferring stone in its original condition, raw queried pieces or found pieces, he carves meticulous geometry revealing the inner qualities of the material.

Born in Malta in 1968 Benji studied design at the London collage of Furniture and graduated from Kingston University in 1993 with a BA hons in sculpture. He moved to Spain where he was introduced to the stone industry of the Andalusian quarries in Almeria. Self taught, here he honed his skill as a stone carver taking on private commissions and showing in local shows. In 1999 he spent 4 months carving in Mahabalipuram where he was introduced to the techniques and history of traditional temple and deity carving. More recently he has spent time the Traditional Stone carving centre in Danang, Vietnam producing a body of work and a large scale carving commission. He now lives in Purbeck, Dorset, inspired by the rugged landscape and the old quarries that lie along the limestone cliffs.