Born in Singapore in 1971, Mark studied Sculpture at Newcastle Polytechnic after which he travelled extensively in Europe, Asia and beyond, discovering mediums and methods that would become the foundation of his creative process.
In 2004 he discovered Mamallapuram in India – a village of over 200 stone carving workshops – and he spent the next four years working and living amongst the traditional Dravidian temple carvers of southern India. He now has an established studio in the town.
Mark's UK studio is set in the South Downs National Park, Sussex, where he completes works started in the Indian studio, as well as teaching traditional carving to the public.
Travel is an important aspect of Mark's work and although not always apparent in each work, these journeys are subtly hinted at in each finished sculpture. Within his work he hopes to achieve a fine balance between line, form and texture, using one to exaggerate and emphasize the other.
Statement
Having discovered stone as a medium for my work, I have yet to find another that compares. I am passionately drawn to its solidity and majesty and I revel in the length and intensity of the processes involved. Primarily a direct carver, I see the process as a conversation between myself, the tools and the stone – the inspiration for this relationship being a chosen line or a form suggested within the medium or a natural development from the previous work.
Website: www.mstonestreet.com