Has technology changed your practice?

"Has technology changed your practice? 

- Is there a balance you have to strike between being a traditional craftsperson and embracing modern technology."  

 As a stone carver, I cherish the slow, meditative process of shaping stone with a mallet and chisel. But I’ve also discovered the exciting possibilities that modern technology offers. Keep reading to discover how I these innovations are enhancing my work while still honouring the timeless art of stone carving.

A person with red hair and a respirator mask chisels a geometric design on a dark stone slab. They sit in a workshop with various tools and materials in the background. A large knot of rope is visible on the right.

 Balancing Tradition and Innovation: My Stone Carving Journey with Technology

 As a stone carver, I’ve always been drawn to the slow, steady pace of shaping stone with a mallet and chisel. There’s something incredibly satisfying about each strike, knowing that I’m carving out something from a solid, unyielding material. The feel of the stone beneath my hands, the precision required for each cut, and the rhythm of the process all contribute to a craft that’s been around for centuries. But while I love the hands-on, meditative nature of this ancient art, I also find myself intrigued by the possibilities that modern technology brings to the table.

So, the question I often ask myself is: Can I balance the soul of my craft with the excitement of new technology?

For me, the answer has been yes. And the real magic happens when I find ways to blend the old with the new.

 

The Beauty of Traditional Stone Carving

There’s something incredibly grounding about working with stone. When you carve by hand, every chip and curve feels personal. It's not just about the design, but the connection to the material, the history, and the technique that’s been passed down through generations. My work often focuses on geometric patterns, and while they might seem precise, the joy is in how every line flows naturally from the stone as I carve it, one tap at a time.

But as much as I love the process, it’s also time-consuming. While that is part of the beauty of the craft, I’ve found myself wondering: What if I could push the boundaries of my designs without sacrificing the intimacy of the process?

 

Embracing Technology: A Helping Hand, Not a Replacement

This curiosity led me to experiment with new tools and technologies that complement, rather than replace, my traditional methods. One of the first things I did was use a lathe for creating spheres. Now, traditionally, making spheres by hand can be a lengthy and tricky process, but with a lathe, a level of precision can be achieved that I simply couldn’t with a chisel or angle grinder alone. The accuracy of the lathe allows perfect, smooth spheres, to be created, which then become part of my intricate geometric patterns. The result is a blend of machine-made precision and hand-carved artistry, and I can honestly say it’s a game-changer.

It’s not about replacing the traditional with the modern. It’s about finding new ways to enhance what I already do, making the process smoother and more accurate without losing the essence of craftsmanship.

3D Scanning and Printing: A New Dimension

Now, here’s where things get even more exciting. Along with using machines such as lathes, I’ve also started having my work 3D scanned and printed, and I have to say, it’s opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. 3D scanning lets me capture my hand-carved pieces in incredible detail, turning them into digital models. This means I can experiment with size and proportion, playing around with the dimensions of my pieces without having to physically carve every version. It also allows me to offer limited edition casts of my work, which means I can share my creations with a wider audience while still maintaining their exclusivity.

But that’s not all. I’m also using 3D scanning for some fun new projects, like making rope knot door knobs and Christmas baubles. The fact that I can scan my hand-carved designs and turn them into these new forms, without losing any of the detail, feels like magic. It’s a chance to experiment and create in ways I hadn’t thought possible before, and I’m really enjoying it!

 

Limited Editions and New Forms

3D printing also allows me to explore different materials that I wouldn’t usually work with, like resin or metal. The flexibility of being able to print prototypes and scale up or down depending on the project has been invaluable. For example a recent commission for Canford School involved a large sphere being carved for a public area in front of the school. After scanning it, reducing it in size I was also able to offer much smaller limited edition casts for the parents, students and teachers to buy.

A hands-on view of The Canford Sphere, an intricately carved Jesmonite cast by Zoë Wilson Sculpture featuring geometric patterns that resemble petals or star shapes. This limited edition sculpture is crafted from a smooth, light-colored material.

For me, this technology isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about giving myself the freedom to experiment and push my designs further. It allows me to refine my work and offer new products that extend my practice in unexpected ways, all while staying true to my roots as a stone carver.

Finding the Balance

So, how do I make sense of it all? The balance, for me, is in using technology to complement and enhance the traditional methods I hold dear. While I still love the process of carving by hand, these modern tools help me achieve greater precision, refine my designs, and open up new creative possibilities.

It’s all about intention. Technology doesn’t replace the art of carving; it just gives me more ways to play with my ideas. I still carve each piece by hand, still spend hours working with stone, but now I have the option to experiment digitally, and to explore new ways of making and sharing my work.

Hands holding a limited edition Bronze Effect Rope Knot Cast by Zoë Wilson Sculpture, crafted from thick, dark braided cord resembling a rope knot against a wooden background.

Looking Ahead: The Future of My Craft

As I continue to integrate these technologies into my practice, I’m excited about where this fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation can take me. I’m not abandoning the slow, thoughtful process of stone carving. Rather, I’m embracing new tools that allow me to explore, experiment, and expand my creative horizons.

The future is full of exciting possibilities. With each new tool and technique I try, I discover new ways to connect with my craft, ways that honour the past while embracing the future. And I can’t wait to see where this journey of blending tradition and technology takes me next.

Back to blog