Why I carve Stone that isn't Stone

People often look puzzled when they first see my carvings and realise the “stone” I use… isn’t stone at all. It’s aerated concrete — lightweight, chalky, humble, and usually destined for skips or the back of a builder’s yard.

And honestly?I adore it.Long before The Soulful Stone existed, I fell in love with the simple magic of turning this overlooked material into something full of character and meaning.

It’s a strange feeling, carving something that looks solid and ancient, yet began life as waste. There’s a beautiful symbolism in that — giving a second chance to something most people walk past without noticing. Maybe that’s why I connect with it so deeply: it carries a quiet story of transformation before it even reaches my hands.

When you cut into aerated concrete, it yields gently. There’s no harsh resistance, no intimidation. Instead, it invites you in. The tools glide, the dust drifts softly, and suddenly a shape begins to emerge as though it was hiding there, waiting to be revealed.

For beginners, this is a gift. You don’t need brute strength or years of technique. You need curiosity, a willingness to explore, and a little trust in your hands. I’ve seen people arrive nervous — convinced they’re “not creative” — and leave with a sculpture they can’t quite believe they made.

That’s why I choose this material.Because it opens the door to everyone.

There’s something deeply mindful about it too. Aerated concrete has a lovely rhythm — tap, scrape, smooth, breathe. It slows you down in the best possible way. Your thoughts soften. Your focus narrows. Time stretches. It’s grounding. Almost meditative. And in a world that runs at full speed, that feels precious.

But beyond all that, I love the metaphor. Carving “stone that isn’t stone” reminds me that creativity doesn’t have to look traditional to be valid. Art doesn’t need permission to be “proper.” Beauty grows from the unexpected places — from waste, from mistakes, from reimagining what something could be.

My hare sculptures, Green Men, owls, Moai heads, eco bee homes… every single one begins as a scruffy block people wouldn’t glance at twice. And yet, with a few simple tools and a bit of patient shaping, it becomes something expressive, soulful and completely unique.

That moment — when someone steps back and whispers, “Wow… I made that” — is the heartbeat of my workshops.

So yes, I carve stone that isn’t stone. I choose it on purpose.Because it’s accessible, sustainable, forgiving, and quietly magical. And because it allows everyone — absolutely everyone — to discover the joy of creating something meaningful with their own hands.

If reading this has sparked a little curiosity, you’re always welcome to join me at a workshop. No pressure, no expectations — just space, creativity, and the gentle joy of making something from almost nothing.

— Jayne The Soulful Stone