From a young age, I have always felt an affinity with the material, the smell, the weight. The permanence. But it was when I got into Saint Martin’s School of Art London on their BA Sculpture course, that I thought of stone carving as a real possibility.

Limestone. The colour, the texture, the fact that it holds detail, it’s longevity in situ and the price, suits me and my style. It has a warm and sunny disposition. And very importantly, it can be bought in very high consistent bed heights, which is a big advantage.

My inspiration comes from reality and sculptors who can observe and adapt. My heart has always been in the direct carving approach, but with training and discipline I have learnt to apply insight, intellect and good design to make the seemingly impossible craft of carving each stone to its potential.

I carved the Queen and Prince Philip for Canterbury Cathedral, and when the statues were unveiled I was invited to a blessing with the Royal couple and dignitaries. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were both generous and humble about the whole experience. That was a day I will remember for the rest of my life.