Founded in Stone
The passion for carving stone began many years ago, when founder Oliver Harwood arrived at art school and studied in Italian marble studios. Each stone has its story, each artwork has its struggles and rewards, and over the years a deep knowledge and connection is developed between artist and material. Stone is an incredible substance, unbelievably hard and yet in some ways fluid. It can be shaped into almost anything with time and skill and perseverance. Oliver continues his art practice in Vancouver, Canada.
The brief story of making stone sculpture accessible to all
From Idea to Reality
2011
The Challenge
How to make the world of stone sculpture accessible to elementary school students? Stone is hard, unforgiving, requiring strength, focus, training and lots of tools. It takes years to master this skill.
In order for stone carving to be doable by anyone it needs:
- An easily workable stone
- a pre-defined project in proportions
- Tools that are all-ages safe
- A process that eliminates dust
- A project that is successful in 2 hours
- Amazing results!
2012
Studiostone Education
The launch of In-class soapstone carving programs in greater Vancouver. Offering instruction in French and English, our intensive carving program became a hit with teachers throughout the region.
2016
The Home Carving Kit
The do-it-yourself stone carving kit was launched at Circle Craft exhibition in November 2016. It was an instant hit, and we have continued developing new project kits ever since.
2017
A Company
In the summer of 2017 the teaching program and DIY carving kit officially became Studiostone Creative Inc.. Oliver and two colleagues set out to introduce stone carving to the consumer market.
2020
USA Expansion
Teaming up with a US based marketing agency, Studiostone Creative entered the world of US retail with sales reps coast to coast.
2021
Industry Awards
Studiostone Creative won the Best Craft Toy for Kids award in 2021 from the American Specialty Toy Retailer association. A significant award for a small company.
2024
Launch Board Games
A board game where you carve your own playing pieces. The start of a series of new and innovative products coming from the creative design team.