Matthew Simmonds is a stonemason who carves beautiful designs into stone.
Matthew Simmonds is a stonemason who carves beautiful designs into stone.
Matt Simmonds
Much of Simmonds' work is inspired by architectural trends of the past.
Much of Simmonds' work is inspired by architectural trends of the past.
Matt Simmonds
He says he chose stone as his medium because stone has been used throughout history as a way for mankind to express itself.
He says he chose stone as his medium because stone has been used throughout history as a way for mankind to express itself.
Matt Simmonds
"It is stone that is left behind for us to piece together history from. It's the way cultures leave a sign on the world."
"It is stone that is left behind for us to piece together history from. It's the way cultures leave a sign on the world."
Matt Simmonds
Simmonds also says there are elements of history preserved within the stone itself.
Simmonds also says there are elements of history preserved within the stone itself.
Matt Simmonds
"You can see traces of the creatures that have happened upon it over time."
"You can see traces of the creatures that have happened upon it over time."
Matt Simmonds
Simmonds has been working with stone since 1990.
Simmonds has been working with stone since 1990.
Matt Simmonds
His earlier works took weeks to complete.
His earlier works took weeks to complete.
Matt Simmonds
His more complex work, such as the above fireplace, can take up to a year to complete.
His more complex work, such as the above fireplace, can take up to a year to complete.
Matt Simmonds
He prefers to cut into marble and limestone.
He prefers to cut into marble and limestone.
Matt Simmonds
"These stones allow you to get in all the fine details, but they're not too hard to carve deep into."
"These stones allow you to get in all the fine details, but they're not too hard to carve deep into."
Matt Simmonds
Simmonds says his favorite piece is a project called "The Trilogy," for which he had to incorporate elements of <em>feng shui</em>.
Simmonds says his favorite piece is a project called "The Trilogy," for which he had to incorporate elements of feng shui.
Matthew Simmonds
His focus with "The Trilogy" was to create a space that allowed energy to flow freely.
His focus with "The Trilogy" was to create a space that allowed energy to flow freely.
Matthew Simmonds
Simmonds' work is currently on display at the Islamic Arts Festival in Sharjah, UAE.
Simmonds' work is currently on display at the Islamic Arts Festival in Sharjah, UAE.
Matt Simmonds
Two of the works, "Cube" and "Muqarnas Study" are inspired by philosophies of Islam.
Two of the works, "Cube" and "Muqarnas Study" are inspired by philosophies of Islam.
Matt Simmonds
A third work is inspired by Turkish architect Mimar Sinan.
A third work is inspired by Turkish architect Mimar Sinan.
Matt Simmonds
Sinan is considered one of the most influential architects of the Ottoman empire.
Sinan is considered one of the most influential architects of the Ottoman empire.
Matt Simmonds