Lottie O'leary
I have been working stone in one way or another for nearly 40 years, living and working from Knucklas, on the Welsh borders, since 1994.
I originally studied sculpture conservation, but after a few years of pinning and sticking, I felt I wanted to be more creative. I went back to college in Weymouth to study masonry and carving. I was not much good at masonry but did love the carving, so afterwards went to work at Cliveden Conservation, carrying out replacement carvings for capitals, noses, toes, beasts and such like. After marrying Will, we moved to Knucklas, where we worked together and brought up our family.
I now run the business on my own. My work is a mix of carving and lettering commissions including memorials, my own carving for exhibitions, running stone carving classes and carrying out some site work.
My own work is inspired by nature and natural forms and uses the beautiful native stones of Britain.
I specialise in distinctive pieces for the home and garden and also undertake commissions for that special birthday present, anniversary or wedding.
My Great Uncle, Alan Durst. A family tradition.
Current
Art Central Gallery, Barry
Meeting of Minds.
November 2, 2024 - January 11, 2025
Each member of Sculpture Cymru has invited a sculptor from Wales to show together
as guests. Tania Mosse asked me to take part.
Its hundred plus works show the wide variety of materials, practices and visions of the artists involved.
Exhibitions
Past
2020 The Table. Hay on Wye
2020 Action4ashes. Memorial sculpture for Longdon Rd. Cemetery Shrewsbury
2019 Small picture show. Discoed Church
2019 Lost Words. The Lettering Arts Trust, Snape Maltings
2019 Christ Carrying the Cross in Hereford Cathedral for Lent
2018 The Table. Hay on Wye
2018 Made in the Marches. Kington
2017 Out of Nature. Newport House
2017 40 Days 40 Artists. Lent exhibition, Discoed Church
2016 Hereford Art Week. Garrison House, Presteigne
2015 Paper and Stone exhibition. Aardvark books, Brampton Bryan
2013 Out of Nature. Newport House, Kington
2006 Design, carve and install new pediment carving. Tangley House, Hampshire
The Table at Hay. Hay on Wye
Lois Hopwood & Lottie O’Leary.
November 30 - December 21 2024