Sydney Sandstone Sculpture
Discover the Beauty and Elegance of Sydney Sandstone Sculptures
by Australian Artist and Sculptor Christophe Conder:
– Timeless Beauty in Stone –
Step into a world of refined elegance and masterful craftsmanship with the sandstone sculptures of Christophe Conder. Celebrated for his ability to unveil the innate beauty of Sydney’s iconic stone, Conder creates breathtaking works that harmonize artistry and nature, transforming spaces into immersive sanctuaries of sophistication.
Each hand-selected sandstone block is sculpted with meticulous precision, ensuring every piece is a singular masterpiece of enduring beauty and structural integrity. His creations are more than sculptures—they are timeless expressions of artistry, destined to captivate for generations.
Protected by state-of-the-art sealing technology, Conder’s works are impervious to discoloration and environmental wear, preserving their pristine elegance even in the most demanding outdoor conditions. As one of nature’s most exquisite and resilient materials, sandstone embodies an unparalleled allure—its grandeur unmatched, its legacy eternal.
Conders Connection with Sydney Sandstone
Sandstone enables the smooth, simplified forms, subtle curves, flowing lines and rounded surfaces found in Christophe’s abstract works. There are also many variations and combinations of textures waiting to be touched in his pieces. These textures include naturally weathered, frosted by chisels, rasped rough and polished smooth. Christophe has clues about the attributes of any given stone before he starts to sculpt it, but its full beauty and unique grains and characteristics are often not revealed until the sculpture nears completion.
… “The quality of stones I hand pick from the quarries hold incredibly beautiful iron bands of grain which I attempt to unveil and celebrate in all my pieces…. Sandstone holds many aesthetically pleasing qualities that i admire. I love the raw physical nature of sandstone, it’s colour, it’s texture, touch, durability and the historic history and connection it holds with the earth ” …
Conder’s artworks encourage viewers to discover new elements with each perspective, inviting them to explore the balance between void and fullness, the inner turning outward, concave meeting convex, and light following dark. This harmonious coexistence of opposites, as he sees it, reflects the complexity and unity inherent in nature itself. Christophe’s sculpture not only offers the viewer an infinite number of vantage points, it also offers one of the most vital sensual characteristics – the sense of touch. This is equally as important as the visual experience.
…”I carve sandstone as an invitation to touch. I want people to feel the smooth, warm strength and polished texture of the stone. I believe that the relevance of touching a stone is increasingly important in this visual age. I will never forget the day my son at the age of two, saw one of my abstract female works positioned in the backyard for the first time. He went straight up the torso with both hands and slid them down across her face and over her shoulders exploring the textures and spaces. It spoke volumes to me. If a 2 year old wanted to do this instinctively then i’d image all of us would like to do the same…”
Christophe aims to create organic forms that evoke a sense of existence. While he draws deep inspiration from nature, he does not focus on replicating specific natural objects in sandstone. Instead, he shapes forms that embody a sense of completeness and harmony, evolving into introspective, minimalistic shapes that capture power in their simplicity.
What is Sydney Sandstone?
Sydney Sandstone is a type of sedimentary rock that is primarily found in the Sydney Basin region of New South Wales, Australia. It is composed mostly of quartz and is known for its durability, fine grain, and warm golden to reddish hues. The stone formed over 200 million years ago during the Triassic period from compacted sand and minerals deposited by ancient river systems.
Sydney Sandstone has been widely used in construction and architecture throughout Sydney, including iconic buildings like the Sydney Town Hall, the University of Sydney, and various heritage homes and walls. It is valued for its aesthetic appeal, ease of carving, and weather resistance, making it a defining feature of Sydney’s architectural landscape.
How Durable are Conder’s Sandstone Sculptures
The particular sandstone Christophe sources from Gosford and Bundanoon Quarries is an extremely durable material made to withstand extreme climates. There are countless examples of Australian sandstone structures that date back to the first settlement in 1788, a true testament to the timeless nature and longevity of quality Australian sandstone.
Sydney Sandstone Sculptures for Sale
Christophe’s Sydney sandstone sculptures are available for sale on this website, however please contact him directly should you wish to see an up-to-date selection. His works can be seen at his studio in Sydney. By appointment only.
Commission a Sandstone Sculpture
Become part of the exciting collaborative experience of creating a striking sandstone sculpture, from anywhere in the world, to create a unique work of art for a particular place or person, of any size to compliment the aesthetics of your indoor or outdoor space. Christophes sandstone work includes small interior sculptures to large scale garden and public sculpture commissions. His work is now nearly always site-specific and Christophe enjoys engaging and working with clients in the creative thinking process when formulating ideas for a new piece. Christophe is also very happy to meet potential clients across the globe. To read more on the commissioning process click here.