Anyone with even a passing interest in sculpture would thoroughly enjoy the Stone exhibition by local artist Steve Williams at the Stockport Art Gallery. Williams has evidently had a lifelong ambition to become an artist but, until recently, this was mainly restricted to photography whilst having a “normal” career and raising his family. Avoiding the temptation to ease his way into his artistic endeavour Williams has jumped head first into the most demanding of artistic crafts namely sculpture, working in alabaster, marble and other natural stones. Akin to taking up hill walking by shinning up the Eiger on your first weekend.

This exhibition confirms Williams is a highly talented artist who combines freedom of expression with genuine craftmanship. The pieces often combine facial portraits with geometric shapes evoking sea creatures and shell forms. Centre stage is a very striking piece in blue marble called ‘Whale’ which simply but skilfully captures the unique shape and weight of a moving whale. His choice of material is perfect and emphasises the deep thought the artist pays to matching material to the ultimate shape. This is also very evident with ‘In the Flames’ which arrestingly captures a naked flame using an unusually grained and coloured piece of translucent stone.

The sculptures are expertly complemented by ‘Shorelines’, a series of large-scale photographs of a pebbled beach at the waters edge. These images are hypnotic and provide a perfect backdrop for the sculpture. The notion that the sea is in itself the master sculptor lingers long after exiting this fine body of work.

Large scale exhibitions can often be tiring and more becomes less. Here is a chance to spend an absorbing hour engrossed in one man’s craft and vision. Highly recommended.