Nicola Axe

My Sea Change Studio at Cockington Court, Torquay and my home are both close to the sea, Inspiration is found in mornings walks observing the seascapes and smaller details of the shoreline, shells, seaweeds and rock formations.

Stone is my chosen medium and working with it these last 16 years has not diminished my love for it. Shell forms lend themselves to natural stone, in particular Portland stone which is 160 million years old, formed in a marine environment and made up from sediments of organic detritus, shell fragments and layers of calcite. The smooth simple forms show off the natural beauty of the material.

My carved sea creatures in alabaster and serpentine depict Stingrays, Green Sea Turtles and Octopuses.

My abstract forms and figurative pieces in Portland limestone are peaceful and contemplative.

I also work to commission, enjoying the collaboration and new direction this can take my carving. Recently completing a large Peregrine falcon and a giant snail, I am soon to begin a public commission for a Salmon fishing memorial.