Tom Murphy

Tom Murphy has been carving wood and stone for more than 35 years. Working primarily by hand with chisels, gouges, and files, he carves softer stones such as soapstone, serpentine, and chlorite. He began carving chalk as a boy and later rediscovered his passion through woodcarver and mentor Rod Palliser, whose encouragement led him from wood spirit canes to stone.

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Each sculpture unfolds in deliberate stages, guided by patience and respect for the material. Influenced by a career in environmental protection, Tom’s work often reflects natural forms such as fish, birds, whales, mushrooms, and trees. A traditional carver at heart, he prefers hand tools for their tactile control and currently exhibits with local Ottawa artist groups and at the Carleton Place Gallery.