Zoë Wilson

Pure geometry

• Zoë is a master stone carver and sculptor
• She creates precise geometric patterns, hand carved in stone
• Her studio is in Houghton, Hampshire

Zoë Wilson describes her story as a serendipitous journey, full of lucky encounters that, step by step, enabled her to find her way to self-expression. Her craft reflects the teachings of the brilliant masters and professors that she has met along the way, the places that she has visited and the experiences she has had, but the key aspect is her love for the craft itself. She finds enormous satisfaction in carving decorative geometric patterns in various kinds of stone. “My craft consists of carving my patterns as accurately as humanly possible, first of all respecting the material itself, and then letting the sunlight add movement to something intrinsically rigid, bringing my creations to life."

Interview

©AsiaWerbel

©AsiaWerbel

How did you start your life as an artisan?

I was born into a family that encouraged self-expression but also taught me the pleasure of making with my hands, resulting in a certain pragmatism. So when I studied Fine Arts at university, I found it far too conceptual and I started looking for something different.

Did you have a master who helped you to find your way?

After university I was like a frustrated sponge, craving any possible teaching that could help me to find my own way. Almost by chance, I was very lucky to make encounters that gave me a well-rounded education in stone carving, which became my beloved craft.

Is geometric precision your signature style?

I think that handiwork enhances the eyes' perception of precision. I love patterns and their geometry relies on absolute precision to become more satisfying. I enjoy creating and elaborating new motifs that I then carve on stone.

What is your source of inspiration?

When you love patterns, you find them everywhere. A huge source of inspiration were the Islamic patterns that I studied when I was living in South East Asia, but you can find inspiring patterns also on a nice floor tile in a pub!

Zoë Wilson is a rising star: she began her career in 2016

Works

©Zoë Wilson

©Zoë Wilson

©Zoë Wilson

©Zoë Wilson

©Zoë Wilson

Where