LIVING
STONES
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John Schweighardt
John Schweighardt, a master carpenter, was always intrigued with stone and
often worked with it on various construction projects in his building career.
In 2004 he selected a 500 lb boulder from a local quarry and, working with
Ottawa sculptor, Ali Hussein, created a stunning monument: an endeavour that
would lead him down a path he believes he did not choose, but was chosen for
him.
His new-found passion provided the greater freedom of simply exposing objects
of beauty from stone and boulders. In a reversal of all he had learned as
a builder - where components are added - working in stone meant removing what
was unwanted until the piece was revealed. The simplicity of this is one of
his greatest attractions to sculpting in stone. John began by creating tea
light holders from interesting rocks found on beaches and quarries or alongside
country lanes. As well as art pieces, sculpting sinks and bowls from boulders
collected locally from farm fences and stone piles is John's current passion.
The rocks, carefully selected for size, shape and colour or with features
of special interest, wait outside John's studio to be drilled, split, sculpted
and polished into objects of beauty - no two pieces the same.
