Featured Artist LynnAlbert Leger

Artist LynnAlbert Leger shares a collection of work created as bas-relief slate sculpture in classic designs. Visit his website to see more of his work.

 

 

I’ve spent a good part of my life carving stories into stone—quite literally. My medium of choice is Monson, Maine black slate, a material that feels as timeless as the pieces I create. It’s something I started experimenting with back when I was a cargo boat captain navigating Casco Bay, Maine.

 

 

Out at sea, with all that time to think, I began to notice the way light and shadows played across different surfaces. That sparked something in me. When I got back to shore, I picked up a chisel and slate stone piece and decided to see what I could create.

 

 

Since then, carving has become a passion, maybe even a calling. The texture of slate, the way it holds a line, its durability—there’s something deeply satisfying about working with it. Most of my pieces are bas-relief carvings. The designs are etched just deep enough to catch light and cast shadows, bringing them to life.

 

 

I’ve worked on everything from architectural designs inspired by ancient Greek and Roman styles to intricate nautical scenes—lobster boats, rowboats, tall ships, lighthouses, and more. Some of my work has even found homes in public spaces, like a 3-by-3-foot carving of the Lewiston, Maine city seal. It hangs proudly in the city administrator’s office.

 

 

My inspiration comes from everywhere—the sea, of course, but also history and ancient architectural design. I love the idea of creating something that feels timeless, something that connects with people on a deeper level. That’s why I recently started an ornamental collection called Timeless Stones. It’s a nod to the enduring beauty of ancient classical design, and my way of contributing to the world’s architectural story.

 

 

When it comes to technique, patience is everything. Each piece starts with a sketch. Then I carefully carve the lines, coaxing the design out of the slate. It’s slow, deliberate work, but there’s no rushing it. Every cut has to feel right.

 

 

Looking ahead, I want to pass on what I’ve learned. I have recently written a book on bas-relief carving in slate, sharing the techniques, tips, and stories I’ve gathered over the years. My hope is that it inspires someone else to pick up a chisel and find the same joy I’ve found in this craft.

 

 

Carving, for me, isn’t just about creating beautiful pieces—it’s about telling stories that last. And there’s something deeply rewarding in knowing that long after I’m gone, those stories will still be etched in stone.

 

LynnAlbert Leger invites you to follow on Facebook.

 

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