Sandstone
Warm, tactile and responsive to light, sandstone allows for softened edges and generous carved surfaces. Helidon freestone is a freshwater sandstone that can take a polish and is more resilient than other sandstones.
About the artist
Antone Bruinsma
Antone Bruinsma is an Australian sculptor whose work is shaped by natural materials such as stone and wood, landscape and in harmony with the medium, the surroundings and the community or placement of the artworks.
Biography
Antone Bruinsma’s sculptural practice is grounded in a sustained conversation with stone. Working across private commissions, public settings and exhibition contexts, he creates forms that invite a slower encounter with material, place and time. His work has been influenced by his travels and cultures he has experienced.
Each work begins with close attention to the inherent character of the stone: its density, grain, colour and resistance. Through carving, cutting and refinement, Bruinsma reveals forms that feel both deliberate and discovered. This includes archetypal and mythological imagery where appropriate, working with clients to bring their space or place to life. A guiding principle and motto is 'blossom with the beauty of natural stone'. Antone was introduced to stone carving in art college by Len Shillam, who continued to mentor and inspire Antone during his early career. Antone has gone on to mentor other artists while creating artworks throughout Australia and overseas.
Artistic practice
Bruinsma’s work balances architectural clarity with an organic sensibility. Curved planes, openings and layered profiles create changing relationships between light, shadow and the surrounding landscape.
The resulting sculptures are designed to be experienced in the round. They hold their own presence while remaining responsive to gardens, interiors, civic spaces and the movement of people through them. He uses natural materials most often, which provide a link between people and nature. People are naturally drawn to the tactile nature of stone, which can be highly polished or textured. Stone is durable and sustainable, the most environmentally sound choice of material, perfect for public and private art collections, coming in a variety of forms. In creating sculptures for public places or private spaces, each artwork he creates begins with understanding his client's desires and the story that can be told. He believes in a collaborative approach, together exploring ideas, leading to an amazing sculpture reflecting the essence of the place and enriching the lives of all who view it. He also works intuitively, listening to the stone and working with it to bring out its beauty and presence.
Materials
Stone is central to the practice, selected for its physical presence and capacity to respond to different environments. It is durable, eco-friendly and easy to maintain over time.
Basalt
Dense and enduring, basalt brings weight, depth and a darker tonal register to the work.
Marble
Marble offers luminosity and fine detail, allowing light to move across a refined surface.
Granite
Highly durable and well suited to outdoor settings, granite retains its polish over time while standing up to the elements.
Timber
Occasionally used for its grain and warmth, timber introduces a contrasting organic rhythm.
Sculpture in conversation with place
For exhibition information, project discussions or commission enquiries, please get in touch.
Contact Antone