Stone In My Life

by Erin Tomb

My name is Erin Tomb and I have been carving stone for roughly ten years with my first introduction being at my local community college. Art has always been a major part of my life, shaping how I see and experience the world. Over the years, I’ve explored a range of mediums, beginning with two-dimensional work and eventually finding my way into sculpture. Among the materials I’ve worked with, stone and glass have resonated with me the most, each having a very different process. Glass stretches, fuses, and flows, while stone is sturdy and unyielding. It requires us to remove rather than add, a challenge that I welcome. I started glasswork with a focus on jewelry in my late teens, so it was an interesting transition, going from small glass pieces to large stones.

One thing I love about stone is that it is born from the earth; we don’t create it, we uncover it. Working with stone gives me a strong sense of connection to nature and that bond is reflected in my work. Much of my inspiration comes from organic forms and wildlife, a reflection of the material’s natural origins. It is a humbling experience working with something born from the earth over millions of years; something that we uncover, instead of creating. It is meaningful to me to be able to leave my mark by making something that will outlast us all.

Being a part of the stone carving community has been extremely fulfilling and I’m always learning new things from my fellow carvers. Recently I was taught a new technique called intarsia, which is particularly enjoyable for me because it combines my love of jewelry with stonework. Intarsia involves cutting and assembling small pieces of stone into new compositions, which reminds me of my glasswork in that I can build form in a way that contrasts with traditional carving.

Every time I go to a stone carving event I feel like I have been refueled and artistically energized. It has made me realize over the years that connecting with other artists is just as important to me as the art itself. The artists and stone carvers that I surround myself with support each other with their enthusiastic attitudes and lifetimes of knowledge. There is always more to learn, both from the stone itself and from the community of artists who work with it. Each piece is its own journey, one that connects me to the earth, to my creativity, and to my community

Published Sculpture NorthWest December 2025 Issue