​Tom Murphy has been carving wood and stone for over 35 years, creating sculptures primarily by hand using traditional tools such as chisels and files. While he began carving as a boy, his passion was rekindled later in life through wood carving, eventually leading him to discover the unique rewards of working with stone.
Specializing in soapstone and alabaster, Tom is drawn to the challenge of revealing the natural beauty hidden within each piece. The colours, veining, and character of the stone emerge through careful shaping and polishing, making every sculpture a journey of discovery. He values the connection to a material that has been millions of years in the making and appreciates the patience and attention to detail required to bring each work to completion.
Tom's career in environmental protection and conservation, including his work as a Water Inspector with the Ministry of the Environment, fostered a deep appreciation for the natural world. Nature remains the primary inspiration for his art, influencing both the subjects he chooses and the respect he brings to his materials.
Working largely with hand tools, Tom continues to learn from each piece of stone he carves, finding inspiration and satisfaction in transforming raw material into lasting works of art.