Mark originally studied Business Law and pursued a successful career in Marketing with some of Europe’s leading businesses. Whilst Head of PR and Marketing Communications at Orange plc, he personally developed many artistic initiatives including the Orange Prize for Fiction.

Mark learnt his initial stone carving techniques on the Mediterranean island of Gozo, Malta. Captivated by the islands’ rich Neolithic history he was spurred on to study sculpting techniques at the University of Hertfordshire.
He became a full-time sculptor in 1996.
Mark exhibits widely in galleries and group shows in the UK and Internationally. His sculptures have been exhibited by the Royal Society of British Artists and the National Society on many occasions.
In 2008 both Marks’ sculptures were shortlisted for the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition. He was elected an Associate of the Royal British Society of Sculptors in 2009.
Working from his studio in North Hertfordshire, Mark’s sculptures can be found in public and private collections and gardens in the UK, Europe and the U.S.A.

Materials
Working in a broad range of Limestones, Alabaster, Marble and Soapstones, Mark uses the solidity of his materials to map out and explore the realm of emotional experiences and responses. He also produces limited edition sculptures from the originals in Bronze, Aluminium, and composite metal and stone resins.

Artist Statement
I have always loved the look and feel of stones and rocks. Whether flints, smooth colourful pebbles or dark rugged boulders, the fascination has been with me since my earliest childhood.

Sculpting for me is a passion, a way of life; a continual journey based on experience and experimentation, sometimes trial and error. Over time, I have come to know the qualities of the different types of stones I carve and often marvel at the history of their formation and evolution. Some of the limestones I carve are nearly 200 million years old. Other stones even older.

I sketch my sculptural ideas in charcoal for it’s’ fluidity of expression and select my materials based on their inherent qualities. I usually work with cut stone blocks ranging from 20 kgs up to around 5 tonnes. Most of my sculptures are produced using ‘direct’ carving techniques and traditional tools. I have recently started using power tools and have successfully experimented with computer aided carving equipment and intend to develop this area for future projects.

My inspiration to carve is fuelled by an internal drive to experiment with both shape and form. I am enthused by natural forms, landscapes and facets of human emotions.