Sculptor from Sheffield standing in front of a large stone swirl sculpture with a poem inscription

STEVE ROCHE
STONEMASON, LETTER CARVER & SCULPTOR

Name: Steve Roche Stonemason, Letter Carver & Sculptor
Address: Highfield, S2 4QU, GB
Telephone: 07927747999

MY STORY

I work primarily in natural stone and started off as an apprentice-trained Stonemason working on the restoration of old buildings. This trade background gave me the elbow-room to specialise and become a Letter Carver, producing calligraphic designs worked into hand carved inscriptions. This in turn led on to working on public sculpture projects for councils, housebuilders and housing associations, as well as smaller sculptures for private clients.

My practice focuses on how engagement with communities can support significant change in the built environment, developing acceptance through growing people’s sense of place and ownership. In my public art projects I work towards place-makers and not space-invaders!

One of the main driving forces is the calligraphic interpretation of words, and how they are applied in public settings. I also investigate how the viewer interacts with text if presented as a tactile 3D object.

Carving Stone

The cutting and carving of stone is central to what I do. I often start with a visit to a quarry to talk about a specific project. The choice of stone can be central to a project and bring an extra layer of significance to a sculpture, carving or memorial. It usually makes sense to bring a conversation about the type of stone early in the design process.

Once a piece has been selected and processed by the quarry it will be delivered for me to work on. I will than use various hand tools including mallets and chisels to cut letters, and shape and carve the stone.