I am best known for my range of slate vases and spheres, but my works include chess- men, wine glasses, acorns and obelisks, as well as my sought after 2005 Evolution, a group of emergent, tilting spheres. Built, rather than carved, all these curvaceous forms incorporate traditional dry-stone walling skills, more usually applied in the creation of stock boundaries and ornamental and structural garden walling. Having, in the early nineties constructed most of Andy Goldsworthy' s weaving and circular dry stone walls, I came to feel that my own creativity was being stifled, rather than encouraged, and so, in 1995, I set about designing and forming, as a present for my wife, the first of my slate vases.

The vases are classical, harmonious and somehow universal, vessel forms. Both timeless and contemporary, they are compatible with most garden settings, and beautiful too in imaginatively lit, indoor public spaces. Tactile as well as visual, built slate is a fascinating medium: strong and durable on the one hand, it offers on the other an almost woven, fabric-like texture, adapting readily to seasonal changes and the play of light and shade on and between the individual layers.

My works can be seen in a wide variety of gardens, from castles to stately homes, country cottages and city residences. I give full advice where requested, and am always happy to respond to queries and enquiries. Once commissioned I will select and split British slate to your choice of colour, from dark grey through mauves and blues to olive greens. Most of my works are permanently situated once constructed, and I build these in situ. Movable works I build in my workshop, prior to delivery and installation. If you feel your garden would benefit from my input, please get in touch. You will find me unlikely to disagree.

Joe Smith, M.A, M.Phil.