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Neil Paterson
Neil, a skilled stone carver based in Eastern Perthshire, is also a gifted performing storyteller. His finely crafted stone pieces serve as another form of storytelling - rich in symbolism and meaning, each one captures and preserves a narrative in stone.
He enjoys working on commissioned pieces, skilfully carving any subject to create unique, personal, and meaningful works of art, whether as a gift, memorial, or striking garden feature. Neil has also completed a range of public commissions, including murals and stone carvings for Dundee City Council, the Forfar Mural Project, and the Fit O the Toon Group in Arbroath.
Aesthetic
Rooted in a love of narrative and symbolism, Neil’s work is informed by the brief he’s given. He’s particularly drawn to subjects like animals, plants, trees, ancient gods and fantastical beasts and frequently incorporates letters and numbers to complete the story. While his style often reflects a heraldic quality, a closer look can sometimes reveal playful and contemporary elements woven into the design. The Wedding Stones are among Neil’s most popular works, inspired by the ancient Scottish tradition of carving lintel stones with the couple’s initials and wedding date, making a uniquely crafted, memorable and enduring gift.
Practice
Every piece begins with a conversation, a chance to hear the story and understand the importance and meaning of symbols Neil's going to convey through his work, he then develops a design which is discussed and agreed before carving begins.
Neil works primarily in Cumbrian St Bees red sandstone and French white lepine limestone, both sought after stone for detailed carving. The sandstone has a medium to fine grain and consistent textured finish, alternatively the very fine grain of the limestone offers a smooth even texture and is a creamy soft white colour which becomes more intense over time.
Carving stone by hand is a slow deliberate process, requiring craftsmanship, patience, a steady hand and a keen eye. It also requires an understanding of how to respond and work with the individual character of each piece of stone. Neil uses both power and hand tools to shape the beginning of a design and refine the more intricate details. Each strike carefully considered to avoid unwanted chips and cracks and gradually reveal the desired lines and forms of the original design.
Location & Links
Alyth
