Loveland, Colorado

970.669-3580

SuccessInStone@yahoo.com

Laurie Tossy

When I started university, I was set on being a printmaker. Then in my junior year while studying art in France I had my first experience carving stone

and it was love at first strike. I enjoyed carving in the quarry and the intimacy I had with stone. And the stone taught me to have patience. And to listen.

And to see with more than my eyes.

I relocated to Loveland because of the numerous inspirational sculptures, artists and foundries in the area. In fall of 2005 I tooka workshop from renowned Zimbabwean sculptor, Taylor Nkomo and I was exposed to a different style of working with stone.

In the western tradition that I had learned earlier we removed all of the “blanket” before starting on the stone. Not only was I told it is okay to leave part of the blanket, I realized it added beauty and dimension to my work.

Working with Taylor and later other Zimbabwean sculptors Collen Nyanhongo and his sister, Agnes, taught me to relax and let the stone speak through me. I am continuing to learn and explore new stones, tools and techniques. By learning from many teachers and from people of many cultures I am finding my true voice as an artist: a voice that will change and grow with age and experiences.