Paula Haughney

I am very passionate about what I do and want to share my skills and knowledge. I have been a fulltime sculptor for over twenty years. Stone-carving being my main area and I am still learning. By establishing the level of student whether a beginner or those with some experience I can tailor the tutoring for each student, helping them to progress to another stage. I teach by a mixture of demonstrations, individual tutorials and group discussions. Stone-carving in a sculptural form is a complex art requiring many skills from design to practical command of the tools which improves with instruction and practise.

My courses are usually centred on a theme (such as mother and child) or on a type of stone (soapstone and alabaster). This allows the student to focus on one particular area and through thorough research produce an informed piece of work. Techniques of stone carving and good work practises are taught as well as an understanding of stone and sculpture. The students will gain the skills and confidence in working with stone.

I like to bring books and inspirational materials, covering the walls with relevant images. I demonstrate various techniques and finishes and have samples of stonework as examples.

I am interested in the qualities of different types of stone and exploring their properties. The textures from rough to sensually smooth. I often carve recycled stone. I like the architectural detail and let this influence my decisions. I look at the natural world and enjoy travelling. I love stone and there is nothing better than seeing and feeling stony things.

On my website, at various outside public places including St Katharine’s Dock, London, Homerton Hospital, Lee Valley Park, Monteith Estate Caterham Barracks, Herne Bay and the Bromley by Bow Centre

I did Sculpture at Portsmouth Polytechnic BA Fine Art Hons and a Master of Arts-Sculpture at Eastern Illinois University in America. My stone carving experience I have gleaned by going on courses with other sculptors (such as Hideo Furuta) and adult education classes. Also by twenty years experience of doing private and public commissions in various stones from limestones to granite. I did a Post Graduate course in Art and Design Education.

I have been teaching stone carving at West Dean College since 1992. I teach at Tower Hamlets and Redbridge Adult Education classes. This gives me access to up to date training in teaching methods and technical advances. I have run stone carving workshops in schools, colleges, and outdoor events. I also run monthly stone carving workshops in my studio.

BP, Unilever, Barlow, Lyde and Gilbert, Leicester Collection for schools and colleges. Hertfordshire County Collection, Tower Hamlets and Canterbury Councils and many private collections in Europe and USA