Milen Radev

Tikla

Stone worker

©Milen Radev

Manipulating stone like paper

Milen makes objects using stones found in ruins in the mountains and sea
His craft is influenced by his background in photography and applied arts
He compares his stonework to paperwork in its ease of cutting and assembling

When Milen Radev moved to his old family house in the mountains, he discovered a whole new world of creativity in stonework, specifically with 'tikli' stone slabs. Milen had devoted two decades to professional photography and shooting covers for the biggest magazines in Bulgaria before finding his passion for stonework. His background in photography and applied arts helped him transition into the craft of turning stone slabs into a vast array of objects. "To me, these stones are just like a piece of paper – not hard to cut and easily assembled," he says. Milen also makes big stone installations that remain in the mountain where they are created. He plans to travel the world in search of similar stones through which he can tell different stories in his objects. "I want to present each of my objects with a certificate that indicates where the material was sourced and the story behind its creation," Milen explains.

Interview

©Milen Radev

©Milen Radev

How did you start working with stones?: In 2021, I started practising my craft by making lamps for my living room using the wood stones from my house's roof. I was planning on changing the roof, and I instantly realised that the stones on it make a magnificent material to create with.
How does you photography background influence your work?: My education in photography and applied arts help me elevate the craft of turning this specific stone into lamps, tables, candle holders and other objects. I am also planning to combine working with stones and photography in a future master class or workshop.
Where do you find your materials?: I usually source the material around the city of Smolyan, close to the Rhodope mountain, where I found stone ruins by chance. I recently discovered interesting stones at the Bulgarian seaside and in another mountain, Stara Planina. I also use Mediterranean stones.
Would you describe your craft as sustainable?: My method of working is quite sustainable – I usually use recycled materials. If left outdoors, the stone would entirely decompose within 2 years.

Milen Radev is a rising star he began his career in 2019