Artist Statement

Working with rock reflects my personality. Strong… with some fragility. I am forever looking at space.
Nature creates beautiful rock.
With Australian rock all my sculptures have been worked and enhanced to create sculptural forms.
These organic functional pieces complement and enhance the form and colour of each individual rock.
My outdoor sculptures are designed to encourage and support ongoing life for creatures large and small, for them  to drink, to live and to evolve with nature itself…
Indoor sculptures allow for flowers and plants to be displayed or be a decorative pieces.
The joy in creating this work involves tactile interaction as well as an appreciation for the natural characteristics of the rock.
There is a certain privilege to working with ancient Australian rock.
I invite you to touch my sculptures and feel the energy…

Jules Van de Sande

Born in 1961, and raised on a farming property in near Tenterfield Northern NSW, surrounded by bushland, encompassing gullies, waterfalls and rocky outcrops.

As a child, uncounted hours were spent exploring the landscape and collecting natural materials, and at school, I studied lapidary which helped to develop my interest and early skills for cutting and polishing stone.

Choosing hairdressing as a career has enabled me to continue working creatively, utilising hair and head shapes to design three dimensional forms and structures.

Naturally, hair styling complements my passion for rock carving and both bring continuous challenges and enjoyment.

I was able to return to my love of stone after moving to Bowral in 1990, having spent many years living both overseas and in Sydney.

In 1991 my carving of rocks began, working at Ken Raffe Studio in Bundanoon NSW.

In 1992 studied at Moss Vale TAFE a Diploma of creative Arts.

One of my creative privileges was to be invited to study rock carving under May Barrie at her Callemondah Studio, Calderwood NSW.

May was a highly respected and renowned sculptor and being able to work alongside and under her tutelage, gave me inspiration, sharpened focus and creativity.

Winning Sculpture By the Sea Sydney Australia in 2009

Sadly May passed away in 2014.

My own studio in the Joadja Valley is set amongst rugged outcrops, large skies, a river and surrounded by wonderful bush, which provides inspiration personally and for my works.

My creative energy flows when working with rock as it reflects my own personality; strong but with some fragility and forever looking at space, colour and strength in life.

I have been fortunate in sharing my passion for rock carving and have exhibited with the following …