High Performance Makita Tools are a Great Match for Giant Lang Sandy
2-2-2011
The ten-ton block of Stoneraise, a hard red sandstone donated by Block Stone of Chesterfield, arrived at Shawn Williamson’s outdoor studio at Gordon Greaves Slate Limited, Windermere, Cumbria, this summer and work commenced in mid July.
“This will be one of the largest pieces of stone sculpture in the North of England,” says Shawn, “and I’ve been helped to create this enormous giant by Makita, my power tool brand of choice for many years.”
The creation of the Lang Sandy Armstrong piece required the use of a Makita HM1213C AVT demolition hammer, which is capable of producing 26 joules of impact energy and between 950-1900 blows per minute, ideal of initial roughing out work; a 230mm GA9020KD angle grinder and a 125mm 9555NB angle grinder for detail and delicate work.
“I’ve been using Makita power tools for my stone work for several years, and I’ve never been happier to receive these new tools working with this particular material. This type of sandstone is very hard and durable and Makita equipment is the best there is for a project of this type,” continues Shawn.
Shawn draws the inspiration for his work from his deep connection with the ancient past. Most of his pieces have a spiritual dimension, whether a statue of Madonna and Child, Pictish rock art or a carving of a bird. Often this involves interpreting the vision of his clients’ into stone. He has carried our commissions for all kinds of organisations, from town and parish councils, charities and trusts to universities, churches ad corporate bodies. His work is divided into four main areas: monolithic stone sculpture; sculptural functional features; smaller stone sculptures and sketch models – small pieces in plaster of paris, or plastiline, for casting in bronze resin.
Monies required for the commissioning of Lang Sandy Armstrong were raised through village activity and Heritage Lottery funding.
Previous work by Shawn Williamson includes the 19-ton Herdwick Ram at Cockermouth which was unveiled by HRH the Prince of Wales in 2004. “Of course, Makita tools have been used in all stages of this creation too,” concludes Shawn.
More details of Shawn Williamson, a qualified stonemason and sculptor, can be found on www.lakestay.co.uk/shawnwilliamson.
