Tom Murphy has been carving wood and stone for more than 35 years. Much of his work is done by hand using chisels, gouges, and files on softer stones such as soapstone, serpentine, and chlorite. He began carving chalk as a boy but rediscovered his passion later in life through a friend and mentor, woodcarver Rod Palliser. Under Rod’s encouragement, he began carving wood spirit canes and walking sticks before turning his focus to stone, which offered a deeper and more rewarding process.

​

For Tom, each sculpture unfolds in deliberate stages—from stone leaving the quarry to the finished piece on a plinth. Every phase requires patience, focus, and respect for the material. What he finds most compelling is the moment the stone’s true character emerges through colour variations and veining revealed by shaping and polishing.

​

Tom’s career in environmental protection and conservation fostered a strong appreciation for nature, which continues to influence his work. His carvings often reflect themes from the natural world—fish, birds, whales, mushrooms, and trees. A traditional carver at heart, he prefers hand tools for the tactile control they provide.

​

Tom has exhibited his work through local Ottawa artist groups and currently shows at the Carleton Place Gallery, sharing his ongoing exploration of stone and its inherent beauty.