Zoë Wilson (b. 1985)
Zoë is a Hampshire-based stone carver. She completed a degree in fine art painting at Birmingham City University before discovering a love of working with stone. Understanding the importance of a solid foundation, she served a three-year apprenticeship as a traditional stonemason, followed by a second apprenticeship in letter carving from renowned master carver John Neilson. With an established passion for working with stone, Zoë then studied for three years at City & Guilds of London Art School, supported by a Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust scholarship. She graduated in 2016 with a first-class diploma in historic stone carving and now works as a self-employed carver, creating hand-carved complex geometric patterns in British stone.
Emigrating to Southeast Asia with her husband, Zoë was hugely influenced by her time living in Borneo. She developed a fascination with geometry through the sacred geometry found naturally in the rainforest and Islamic art. Returning to the UK, COVID-19 fueled her interest in geometric patterns as the precision required for creating the drawings gave order and meaning to the perceived chaos around her. Zoë continually strives for perfection in her work to find her carvings successful. This continued technical challenge has raised her ability to new levels.