Taille de pierre
During the pandemic, I stepped out of my comfort zone and apprenticed in stone carving in France. Working on historic buildings in Strasbourg, I contribute to preserving the city’s patrimoine. This experience, though focused on less organic forms, has sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my passion for sculpture, proving that I can thrive in new and challenging environments.
Learning the Tools of the Trade
I became proficient with both manual and pneumatic chisels, along with essential hand tools like the angle grinder and demolition hammer. Through hands-on experience, I learned to cut various types of stone and mix different mortars to suit a range of contexts, gaining a deep understanding of the materials and techniques fundamental to the trade.
From the worksite to the atelier and back again
I am involved in every step of replacing damaged stonework. I start by surveying and taking precise measurements, which I then translate into detailed drawings essential for reference in the atelier. There, I meticulously cut stones to match these exact specifications. Once the stones are prepared, I install them on-site using the techniques and materials I’ve mastered during my apprenticeship.