Insired by traditional graves and their charming look after hundreds of years, I decided to choose a stone that matches in with nature. Over time, Portland stone will develop lichen, blending in naturally with its surroundings. I carved the memorial in the shape of a wing to evoke a sense of movement, as if he were running.
The memorial was placed at the base of a gentle hill, under the shade of an old oak tree, where sunlight filters through the leaves during the day. To bring more light in, I designed an "S"-shaped cut that casts light at different angles, giving the stone a special presence. The finish was essential too: I tapped the entire surface with a wide chisel to encourage lichen to grow faster and to allow the polished letters to stand out even more over time.
To capture the essence of how light interacts with the stone, I took four photographs at different times of the day. Each image reveals how sunlight breathes life into the stone, transforming its appearance as the day progresses. Morning light casts a gentle, soft glow, highlighting the stone’s texture; by midday, the sun brings out every fine detail in sharp relief. As evening approaches, shadows deepen, enhancing the carved letters and curves, while candlelight at night creates a quiet, reflective presence.
These changes in light and shadow embody the spirit I hoped to capture — a memorial that isn’t static but alive, changing with time, just as memories do. This stone is more than a marker; it’s a sculpture that evolves with nature, reflecting the light and life that my son brought to those around him.
Turning point - my first memorial
I wish I could share a beautiful story about my lifelong passion for carving and the journey of developing my skills and qualifications. But my path to stone carving began in a very dark place. Nearly ten years ago, I lost my son to suicide, leaving me with a forever unanswered question, "Why?"
I wanted to create a lasting tribute to him—a final gift in stone that would mark his life. He was too young for just names and dates; it needed to be something special, something that captured his spirit. The inspiration for his memorial came from a note he left in a friend’s book when they graduated: "Live well and do something awesome… - Sergio." I decided to carve his name, raising it above the stone surface using his own handwriting from this note.
Here is a series of photos documenting the carving process, capturing each stage of this deeply personal project. From the initial shaping of the stone to the careful chiseling of his name and the subtle details that would later hold light and shadow.
These images reveal the precision and patience involved in bringing this memorial to life. From the rough-cut beginnings to the refining of curves and textures, every mark on the stone was a choice, a way to express movement, emotion, and resilience. The process wasn’t just about carving a physical form; it was about capturing a spirit, a memory, and creating something that would stand as a timeless tribute to my son’s life.
