Vivien Whitaker MRSS

Vivien learned to carve with Peter Hibbard, a former assistant to Henry Moore. She has a First class BA (Hons) in Art and Design. Her great grandfather, Jonathan was a sculptor & stone mason

She has developed unique ways of sculpting sensuous stone that enhances its elemental essence and resonance. She co-creates with each stone, working without a plan, responding to and revealing the vitality from within. Rhythmic repetition of metal files and rifflers, stimulates a process she terms 'independent hands' where her hands start working in ways her head didn't have in mind.

'I trust the wisdom of my hands. It is when I do my best, most dramatic work.'

Public collections include Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University; Dartington Hall, Devon; University of Hull Art Collection; The Whitaker, Rawtenstall; Sheffield Business School; Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre, Birmingham; 1647 Garden of Reflection, Mansfield; Hill House, Brixham; Church of St Lawrence, Barlow.

Her sculptures are also in many private collections

She has exhibited at many galleries & museums including Galeria Oberlichtsaal, Sindelfingen, Germany, Bankside Gallery, London, Studio Voltaire, London, Royal Society of Sculptors Gallery, London. Her retrospective was at Towneley Hall, Burnley – the first gallery she visited

Vivien has lived and worked in the Philippines, the Czech Republic, Bahrain, Turkey and the UK. Her studio is in the Peak District, Derbyshire, UK.