Artist Statement

Nature creates beautiful rock.

With Australian rock all my sculptures have been worked and enhanced to create the sculptural form.

These organic, functional pieces complement and enhance the form and colour of each individual rock.

The joy of creating this work involves tactile interaction as well as an appreciation for its natural characteristics.
There is a certain privilege to be able to work with ancient rock from Australia.

When the sculptures are moved, to a new location, they will merge and blend with the surroundings.

I invite you to touch the symbolic sculptures .. feel my soul.

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 won Sculpture By The Sea Sydney Australia in 2009 at the age of 92 what a inspiration…

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

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…..