Here’s how it began,
I started working with stone at my family’s monument business when I was just a boy. The company was founded by my grandfather in 1957 and my father took it over in the 1970’s. I learned all the aspects of the job through my teens and twenties and while I enjoyed it, I felt a need to spread my wings and look further for a creative outlet in the medium.
Across the water
In 2002 I decided to move to England and enroll in an architectural stone carving and conservation course at Weymouth College. After completing the Higher National Certificate program, I did a 2 week work placement at Woodchester Mansion in Gloucestershire. It was there that I met and was hired by Mark Hancock to work at his company Centreline Architectural Sculpture. I stayed at Centreline for 3 years and had an amazing time. I met some very talented carvers and banker masons and worked on many great projects. Also during this time I earned my NVQ Levels II & III from the Building Crafts College in London through work based learning.
Back in Canada
In 2006 it was time to move back to Canada. I reached out to Bobby Watt in Ottawa who I had connected with before going to England. I was hired as shop foreman at RJW Stonemasons and stayed there for 5 years. The two most notable projects for me during this time were the rehabilitation of Rideau Hall’s Mappin Wing and the South East Tower of the West Block on Parliament Hill.
In 2011 I did a short stint as shop foreman with Atwill-Morin. I carved new stones for the rehabilitation of the North Towers on the West Block at Parliament Hill.
Smith & Barber – Sculpture Atelier Inc.
In 2012 I co-founded Smith & Barber – Sculpture Atelier Inc. with my friend John – Philippe Smith. We put together a crew of highly skilled carvers and were sub-contracted by RJW Stonemasons to provide all the replacement stones for the the rehabilitation of the entire West Block on Parliament Hill. This was an incredible learning experience and opportunity to do some amazing work.
Barber – Carving & Sculpture Inc.
Life takes us all on our own unique paths and journeys. In 2018 I created Barber – Carving & Sculpture Inc. so that I could focus on my own personal development in the art and craft of stone carving. I enjoy taking on custom commissions and especially appreciate the interest people have shown in the courses that I offer at my studio. I am a faculty member at the Willowbank School for Restoration Arts and teach stone carving courses there yearly.
The Canadian Stone Carving Festival
In 2010 I started the Canadian Stone Carving Festival. My vision was to create an event that would build a craft fellowship, raise public awareness and support charity. I am proud to say that from 2010-2023 we have raised over $100,000.00 for various charities and we are still going strong. I always look forward to meeting new carvers at this event and I encourage you to visit the website for more info.
