Nina Bilbey

Stone sculptor

©Nina Bilbey

Carving a life as a sculptor

Nina is inspired by artists such as Rodin and Kate Kollwitz
She has learned a lot form American master carvers
She carved the Queen and Prince Philip for Canterbury Cathedral

Nina Bilbey designs beautiful objects in a traditional style that has a direct connection to and reflection in modern society. Now an eminent British architectural sculptor, she started her journey with wood. Her father was a master carpenter, and at 16 she was offered to work with him but after “having tasted the freedom of fine art and the joy of experimenting with different materials”, although she was utterly committed to craft as a career, “the restriction of only working with wood” was not an option she would contemplate. Since she was a child, Nina Bilbey, was in fact in love with stone. Making small objects in stone she had found on the beach, collecting pebbles and throwing tantrums when asked to leave buckets full of stone on the beach after a day’s play.

Interview

©Nina Bilbey

©Nina Bilbey

What is so fascinating about stone?: From a young age, I have always felt an affinity with the material, the smell, the weight. The permanence. But it was when I got into Saint Martin’s School of Art London on their BA Sculpture course, that I thought of stone carving as a real possibility.
Do you have a favourite type of stone?: Limestone. The colour, the texture, the fact that it holds detail, it’s longevity in situ and the price, suits me and my style. It has a warm and sunny disposition. And very importantly, it can be bought in very high consistent bed heights, which is a big advantage.
Why are Rodin and Kate Kollwitz sources of inspiration?: My inspiration comes from reality and sculptors who can observe and adapt. My heart has always been in the direct carving approach, but with training and discipline I have learnt to apply insight, intellect and good design to make the seemingly impossible craft of carving each stone to its potential.
How was your meeting with the Queen?: I carved the Queen and Prince Philip for Canterbury Cathedral, and when the statues were unveiled I was invited to a blessing with the Royal couple and dignitaries. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were both generous and humble about the whole experience. That was a day I will remember for the rest of my life.

Nina Bilbey is a master artisan: she began her career in 1994 and she started teaching in 1999