Imogen Long 2020 - 2nd Year Architectural Stone Carving City & Guilds of London Art School

Having qualified as an architect and subsequently gained RIBA conservation architect accreditation after working on existing, mainly listed, theatres and arts buildings for over ten years, I became increasingly aware of my desire to be closer to creating and making the work myself. I have always been interested in objects made of stone of all kinds (sculpture, memorials, architectural elements) and have, since school and art A-level, enjoyed drawing and modelling. I had not carved stone before, but felt that I had the motivation and enthusiasm to study on the course, even if I didn’t have experience. I have loved carving and find it almost like three-dimensional drawing. It is exhilarating to watch a piece develop before one’s eyes and under one’s hands. The course at City and Guilds of London Art School includes drawing, modelling, lettering, art and architectural history, anatomy – all of which support and enhance the carving practice. On completion of the course I would like to continue historic carving and also investigate ways in which stone carving can be brought into other areas of the contemporary built environment.