Amanda Sumpter is a sculptural stone carver, working in a range of stone including marbles native to the British Isles. She uses direct carving techniques and slow, hand-led processes that allow the material to guide the final form. She exhibits in galleries, open studios and exhibitions with interest from private collectors. Amanda’s QEST Scholarship will allow her to explore marble more deeply, through an intensive course with Kyle Ann Smith, an experienced marble sculptor and founder of Marble Workshop in Pietrasanta, Italy.
The training represents a new chapter in Amanda’s development, helping her work safely and confidently in marble and continue the physically engaged practice she has cultivated. Her process prioritises sensitivity to material over reliance on heavy industrial cutters. Kyle’s teaching will equip her with the skills, technical knowledge and confidence to achieve materially ambitious sculpture with longevity and structural integrity when sited outdoors. She also wants to raise the visibility of British marble varieties within contemporary sculpture, demonstrating their relevance in current practice. Amanda plans to share the skills gained through this training with students at Skelton Workshops, where she began carving 22 years ago, supporting confidence in hand-led marble carving.
