How do you work both as a team and independently?
We come from very different backgrounds and our way of working is not often the same – but I think that we are complementary. Régis did an apprenticeship in stonemasonry and carving when he was 17 and studied at L’Association ouvrière des Compagnons du Devoir et du Tour de France. After that, he travelled around France for 10 years working and learning in different workshops. His studies were also theoretical and his school, being one of the most prestigious in France, was very demanding. He is always focused on the method. When he starts a job, he needs to know from A to Z all the pros and cons of every step and he is very picky with details!
I studied Fine Arts at university in Spain and then I travelled to Italy to continue my studies of sculpture (that's when I met Régis who was working for other artisans and artists in Carrara and Pietrasanta). I have a wide range of knowledge of different materials and techniques. I often work by eye or sense trying to instil character in the pieces I am working on and I suppose that I am more organic when it comes to decisions. When we work together on a project, we tend to separate the work and each of us does the parts we are best at. Usually, this is surprisingly harmonious considering that we have been together 20 years as a couple.
What are the advantages of both of you being stonemasons and carvers?
The biggest advantage is that we can undertake a wider range of projects. We are not limited by traditional stonemasonry but we can also create more contemporary and sculptural pieces such as modern furniture, sculptures, artistic letter carvings and street furniture. Along our travels, we have worked with many different stones including marble, alabaster, volcanic stone, granite and limestone. Luckily, at the moment we have a great assortment of materials in our workshop in many beautiful colours. That gives us the opportunity to accept more special commissions without having to wait for the material to arrive to the UK.
These seats in San Benedetto del Tronto in Italy were created on site travertine blocks and encourage people to stop and rest awhile
What have been your favourite commissions?
The sofas that we made in San Benedetto del Tronto in Italy was a great one. We were asked to create two sculptural pieces on site using the travertine blocks that were sitting there for the docks. Régis came along with this idea of doing an interactive piece, transforming the two blocks into sofas where two people could sit, take their time, have a conversation and admire the amazing landscape of the coast. We called it Tempus fugit and as soon as we finished them, we realised that people were loving the idea and using the sofas as we intended. It is so good to have a piece out in the world that is designed to help people just slow down and focus on the important things in life.
A completed travertine console table in the couple's studio – this was created for a private client
What is your typical working process? Do you start with sketches for example?
We would start by having a conversation with our clients to understand exactly what they want. If one isn’t provided, we often do a sketch or even a maquette if needed. Sometimes we may need to modify the client’s idea if it’s impossible to make in stone due to the nature of the material but we try to be as true as possible to the original idea.
Once the project is clear and defined, we would source the material. During the process of the carving, we like to be in contact with the client and share pictures of the working progress. We believe in a way of working based on collaboration and we like to communicate to ensure that the final piece is exactly what they wanted.
If you were not doing this, what would you like to do?
If we didn't need to work, we would travel more but we don't imagine doing anything different really. We have been working stone for many years because it is our passion and we feel very lucky to be able to do what we love. We have the freedom because we are a small family business and we are self-employed so when it comes to the use of our time, we decide what is best to spend it on.
Sometimes, we struggle to define ourselves and our roles and so, when people ask what we do, we say – we are The Stone Carving Company but we are also artists: we are Régis Chaperon, sculptor and Ana Ruiz Agüí, sculptor.
Where does most of your inspiration come from?
It depends in which area: if we are talking about The Stone Carving Company and we are for instance designing a piece of furniture in stone, we tend to go for forms that inspire us in nature with simple lines and dynamic shapes. If we talk about Regis, as sculptor, his inspiration comes from origami, the beauty of the folding in paper reinterpreted in the stone. For me, as a sculptor, the inspiration comes from organic forms and searches the synthesis of the figure.
Detail of three bespoke tables in different stone contrast beautifully
What is your most favourite material to work with?
Marble is probably the stone that gives the most rewards because the colours and texture are often astonishing but it really depends of the project. Sometimes we prefer to work with limestone and being more focused on the form rather than the colour. Ideally, the best material is not too hard, not too soft with a fine grain and nice texture when polished.
When you are working do you prefer quiet or to have music?
Always music! The most likely choice is jazz but if we are working separately, Régis goes for more eclectic music – he likes to discover new groups and is more adventurous. I like to listen to the music I have being listening since I was 17 – I love the feeling of nostalgia it brings.
Whose work do you admire most?
We admire the work of many artists and designers but if we had to choose a couple of names I would say Zaha Hadid and Noguchi. We like artists with all-round talents like them, capable of being exceptional in different areas like architecture, design and art and not being limited by a label.
Find out more: thestonecarvingcompany.co.uk