Stone, Re: Why I work stone and how others see it

["charles.hazard@zzzzzzzzzz" <charles.hazard@zzzzzzzzzz>]

As someone who works outside the sculpting line my relationship with
stone and how I use differs in many ways from the artists. I build dry
stone structures mainly walls, paths and steps in Finland. The working
season is short around eight months maximum. The stone I use is limited
to granites, diorites and shale. The work is heavy and time consuming,
especilly in sourcing and collecting decent stone. Everything is done
by hand, from the choosing of the stone to the setting it in place.
Thankfully I have escaped serious injury but still get the fingers
caught now and then between the stones. I put up with the minor
irritants, because at the end of the day, laying drystone is the most
pleasurable work I have ever experienced. It really is that simple.

As I approach fifty years I have finally submitted to the call of the
stone and have decided to see out my working life doing what I, after a
multitude of working experiences in other fields, have always known
would be my calling so to speak.

Regards Charlie