Chisel, Mallet and a killer Mullet: Rosie the Stonemason and Carver

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In this conversation, Rosie, a skilled stonemason and stone carver, shares her journey into the trade, the skills and tools required, and the importance of patience in her work. She discusses the challenges of working with natural stone, the balance between carving and masonry, and the dynamics of working in a family business. Rosie also touches on the impact of social media on her trade, the unique challenges faced as a female mason, and the significance of family support in managing stress and burnout. Throughout the conversation, she highlights her passion for her craft and the joy of creating bespoke pieces of art from stone. She shares her favorite projects and the excitement of customization in her work, along with insights into the challenges she faces as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field.

 

Key Takeaways

• Rosie's journey into stonemasonry began unexpectedly through her father's influence.
• Patience is essential in stonemasonry, as it is a slow and meticulous process.
• Each piece of stone has unique characteristics that affect the carving process.
• Working with natural stone requires understanding its properties and how to adapt to them.
• Rosie enjoys both carving and masonry, with a preference for carving in the summer.
• Balancing work and personal life can be challenging in a family business.
• Social media plays a significant role in promoting her work and connecting with others in the trade.
• As a female mason, Rosie has faced challenges but feels that mindsets are changing.
• Pricing for bespoke stonework can be misunderstood by customers.
• Rosie's favourite projects are those that allow for creative expression and unique designs.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stonemasonry and Family Legacy

03:08 The Art and Skill of Stonemasonry

05:59 Working with Natural Stone: Challenges and Techniques

08:56 Balancing Work and Personal Life in a Family Business

12:01 The Role of Social Media in Modern Stonemasonry

14:52 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Trade

17:53 Creating Unique Art Pieces in Stonemasonry

24:28 The Art of Stone Carving: A Journey of Trial and Error

28:48 Challenges in Large-Scale Projects

31:03 Creative Highlights: Favorite Projects and Inspirations

33:26 Quickfire Questions: Personal Preferences and Insights