Vivien Whitaker

Vivien Whitaker ARBS has developed unique ways of sculpting sensuous stone that enhances its elemental essence and resonance.
She co-creates with each stone, working without a plan, responding to and revealing the vitality from within.
Only hand tools are used as experience has shown that machine tools erode the 'soul' of the stone.
Vivien does not work with hammer and chisel as this 'bruises' the stone. She sculpts using metal files and rifflers, using rhythmic repetition, which stimulates a process she terms 'independent hands' where her hands start working in ways her head didn't have in mind. This compulsive process typically lasts for two hours
'I trust the wisdom of my hands. It is when I do my best, most dramatic work.'

Vivien trained with Peter Hibbard, a former assistant to Henry Moore, is an elected member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors and has a First class BA (Hons) in Art and Design.
Her sculptures are in many public and private collections and she exhibits regularly in Europe.

She has lived and worked in the Philippines, the Czech Republic, Bahrain, Turkey and the UK. Her studio is in the Peak District, Derbyshire, UK.