My work is rooted in a lifelong relationship with stone. Growing up on the Isle of Portland, surrounded by working quarries, I developed an appreciation for the character, history and permanence of natural materials from an early age. Every piece begins with the stone itself, allowing its structure and individuality to guide the creative process.

I am drawn to the challenge of transforming a traditionally architectural material into sculpture that captures movement, texture and emotion. Combining traditional stonemasonry with contemporary artistic ideas, I often explore unexpected subjects—from mechanical objects and musical instruments to wildlife and historical figures—demonstrating the versatility and expressive potential of stone.

Each sculpture is carved entirely by hand, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, precision and patience. My aim is to create work that encourages people to look beyond the material itself, revealing warmth, life and intricate detail in something often regarded as rigid and permanent.

Rhys Gower is a British stonemason and sculptor working under the name Artistry in Stone. Born and raised on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, he grew up surrounded by the famous Portland limestone quarries, where his fascination with stone and traditional craftsmanship first began.

Trained across a wide range of stonemasonry disciplines, Rhys has developed expertise in quarrying, heritage restoration, architectural masonry and fine sculpture. This broad foundation enables him to combine traditional hand-carving techniques with a contemporary artistic vision, producing sculptures that celebrate both technical excellence and creative expression.

Working primarily in natural limestone, Rhys creates highly detailed sculptures inspired by history, engineering, wildlife and everyday objects. His work demonstrates how stone can be transformed into pieces that possess movement, delicacy and character while remaining deeply connected to the material’s natural beauty and heritage.

Rhys continues to develop his practice from the South West of England, creating original sculptures for exhibitions, private collectors and commissioned projects.