I recently had the privilege of visiting the marble quarries in Portugal, where the iconic pink marble I've worked with for many years is mined. As I walked through the landscape, I was struck by the unique colors of the stone—subtle, yet vivid—and the striking beauty of the surrounding cork oak trees. The colors of the marble are unlike any other. Each shade of pink, from soft blush to deeper rose, tells a story of the earth's slow transformation. This material has been a constant companion in my work and continues to inspire and challenge me in new ways.
This part of the Iberian Peninsula also has a rich history of stone carving, with megalithic sites dating back over 7,000 years. Archeologists have unearthed iron chisels used by our ancient ancestors during that time. It's humbling to think that stone, in all its forms, has been an integral and spiritual part of human expression for millennia. Standing there, I couldn't help but feel a deep connection to those who carved and shaped stone long before us.
From my first piece to the sculptures I'm creating today, every work is a part of a long, ongoing journey. Each piece carved from this stone is not just a sculpture—it reflects years spent refining my craft, learning from the stone itself, and seeking the soul of the material.
As I reflect on this journey, I am deeply thankful for the trust and support of my collectors.
Many of my works now live in collections around the world, and I feel grateful knowing that they are a part of your lives.
The journey with pink Portuguese marble continues, and I look forward to sharing more with you in the future. Thank you for being part of this journey, your continued belief in my work, and allowing me to share my passion with you.
With gratitude,
Claire McArdle
