Emily Young FRBS

The Connection – A Meeting of Minds 2023

Carved 250-million-year-old clastic quarzite (Tuscany, Italy) with Homo antecessor flint hand axe (Happisburgh, Norfolk, UK) dating to at least 600,000 years ago.

Work: h. 57 cm. Plinth: h. 130 cm. Base:50 cm rusted, oiled steel

£75,000

“The knapped hand-axe shows a way of working with stone that has passed down over millions of years. It manifests the relationship to my own way of working stone now – to my hand striking pieces of stone from a mother piece, to make something that also carries intention and care.”  Emily Young

Emily Young is a celebrated British sculptor known for her unique approach to stone carving, blending classical techniques with modern sensibilities to create powerful, evocative sculptures that resonate with timeless beauty. Often referred to as the “Stone Angel,” Young is recognized for her ability to bring out the inherent character and history of the stones she works with, making her a leading figure in contemporary stone sculpture. Her work draws on an extensive knowledge of geology, as well as an interest in history, spirituality, and environmental consciousness, resulting in sculptures that feel both ancient and deeply relevant to today’s ecological challenges.

Young’s process is highly tactile and intuitive, a form of collaboration with the natural qualities of each stone. She often works with stones that have existed for millions of years, such as alabaster, marble, and onyx, chosen for their color, texture, and historical resonance. By embracing the natural flaws, cracks, and unique grain patterns within the stone, she creates pieces that seem to hold the memory of geological time. Her approach is less about imposing form and more about revealing what she believes is the stone’s intrinsic essence. This results in sculptures that feel organic, as if they emerged naturally from the earth.

The forms in Young’s sculptures are often inspired by the human face and body, carved into minimalist and contemplative expressions that evoke a sense of calm and introspection. Her *Angel Heads* series, one of her most well-known bodies of work, consists of serene faces emerging from rough, unworked stone. The contrast between the finely carved faces and the raw, untouched rock symbolizes the duality between human civilization and nature, expressing both our connection to and alienation from the earth. This duality underscores much of Young’s work, as she aims to foster a sense of reverence for nature and to remind viewers of their place within the vast timeline of the planet.

Environmental consciousness is also central to Young’s practice. By choosing to work with reclaimed and sustainably sourced stone, she aligns her artistic vision with her commitment to environmental stewardship. Many of her sculptures are displayed in outdoor settings, where they can interact with the natural elements and change over time, further emphasizing the relationship between art and nature.

Emily Young’s sculptures are exhibited internationally and installed in both public and private collections, where they inspire viewers to reflect on beauty, temporality, and humanity’s deep-rooted connection to the earth. Her work stands as a testament to the power of art to bridge the ancient with the modern, creating a dialogue about continuity, respect for nature, and the enduring mystery of the natural world.