A Visit with Rose Eva

Working workshop of a stone sculptures.

As Rose opens the door you are immediately looking into a painting of the reception that you find yourself in. It’s an interesting perspective not only is the painting theatrical with more bodies, children, dogs and family life! But due to the scale of the painting you could be in the painting while looking at a reflection. later she tells me that is was her one and only commission of one of her favourite artists of which she has a few other pieces dotted around the house.

Offering me a cup of coffee we hang out in her kitchen with art in every direction while she grinds and starts setting out her cafetiere. It looks like an Alessi, the simple lines but fun design.

I ask about how she got into sculpture and Rose tells me how she wanted to go to the same university as her dad and follow in his footsteps. The course which took her fancy was art history, art wasn’t offered as an A level equivalent at her school so art history but as she started to look into this course she realised the best place to study it was the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. It was there that she found herself for the next few years, studying art rather than doing it herself. It was only years later when children arrived that she took up a pencil and started to draw…. Deciding to explore this more she did a 3 day clay modelling course which she loved and later a stone carving course which she loved even more. And there her present journey was created.

The reason I mention this is the same reason I brought it up with Rose. We discussed how during our lives we can change if we are open to this. Rose shared a story when a speaker at a graduation ceremony was talking about how you should always walk tall looking out into the periphery and making choices. We all have choices…..

We went to her studio in her garden separate from her house, and I could see why this was necessary! The tools used to make these beautifully soft sculptures are tools usually associated with industry! So much noise and so much dust! This space isn't beautiful, this is a working studio a simple functional room lots of natural light, white washed walls, plants creeping into the crevasses.

Rose uses a range of different stone creating highly polished sculptures based on the human form. The first sculpture that I was drawn to was a female figure, from mid thigh to neck. The detail in the stone and the lines in the stone added to the texture and sensuousness of the sculpture. Other figures were dotted around the studio. Mothers curled up protecting a child, partners entwined, and more figures. All made from different stone the colours and textures unique

We discuss the different stones and she tells me that McMarmilloyd is her favorite wholesale company that she visits. There are slabs and chunks of different stone in every shape and size. it sounds like there are piles as she describes clambering over the stone selecting the ones that catch her eye.

Her artistic process involves carefully selecting stones with unique colours and textures, each one telling its own story. Rose's skilled hands sculpt the rough stone into fluid curves and intricate details, bringing forth the essence of the human form. With every chisel and polish, she breathes life into the cold, hard material, infusing it with emotion and character. Her sculptures stand as a testament to the beauty and complexity of the human body, inviting viewers to marvel at the artistry and craftsmanship that transcends mere stone. Each piece is a celebration of the human spirit, a harmonious blend of nature's raw beauty and Rose's creative vision.

We wander through to the back garden where more sculptures are on show. My favourite is a metal circle with a female torso leaning back as if she is on a large yoga ring. She could be in a circus or an aerial performance the impression of the sculpture being caught mid movement is captivating.

A white elongated form looks like it is growing up from the ground. Rose tell me how the colour changes at different times of day and can look luminescent when there is a bright full moon. Each piece is a truly wonderful example of craftsmanship, each stone unique and polished and shining bright. The following few days Rose was taking these sculptures up north for an exhibition at the the Himalayan Garden. ‘Where Art meets Nature’. So if you are passing this summer please even if it is a detour I don't think you will be disappointed. Another local artist Pene Cairns also has some pieces in the same exhibition. We really are surrounded by creative artists locally.

www.himalayangarden.com www.rose-eva.com