Paul Rowbottom, a sculptor in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, sent us the photographs in the next column of his sculptures.

‘Celtic Connection’ is in Purbeck limestone and forged iron and was on show as part of the Eastern Approaches ‘open’ exhibition at the Museum of St Albans from 5 December to 12 January.

The sculpture is 800mm high and Paul describes it as a “work of unadorned simplicity, combining limestone from the Jurassic Coast and forged iron”. He says it “takes the ancient symbol of eternity and suggests a paradoxical state of gravity- defying yet earth-bound stone at the interface of the temporal world; anchored yet supported by forged iron. A boundless form in precarious equilibrium”.

The second picture is of one of Paul’s earlier designs called ‘Conversation Bench’. It again combines stone and metal, although this time the stone is Carrara marble and the metal is stainless steel. It is 1200mm long, 500mm wide and 500mm high. Paul says it explores a dialogue between manufacturing processes and sculptural form. Why manufacturing? Because the seat was produced on a CNC workcentre after a macquette made by Paul had been scanned into a CAD/CAM programme. He says that for the public realm the dimensions could easily be increased.

Paul also works and teaches ceramics and says both his stone carving and ceramics attempt to create a contemporary feel while reaching back to an ancient heritage.