Stone by Design: The Artistry of Lew French

by Lew French

More than 125 gorgeous photographs showcase the beauty of award-winning stonemason Lew French's work in eight different homes, illustrating how rounded fieldstone, gray slate, rough granite, and even curvy driftwood can be incorporated into stunning pieces of functional art. French provides charming narration for each how an idea came to be; how a stone-splitting technique is executed; even how one of his most difficult pieces, a three-year-long project, was saved from ruin the day it was completed. With its contemporary hearths of rustic slate, sculptured walls of both great granite slabs as well as stacked and rounded fieldstones, Stone By The Artistry of Lew French will inspire design lovers to incorporate this material in home interiors and exteriors, whether as an artful writer's studio, a playful fireplace, or a carefully crafted garden pathway. More than just a stunning tribute to the work of Lew French and his unique vision and craft, this book celebrates both the function and form of stone. It's the perfect inspiration for anyone interested in adding the beauty of stone to their home or landscape. Lew French was born in the small farming town of Zumbrota, Minnesota. He started to work with stone when he was just nineteen years old. He moved to Martha's Vineyard twenty years ago and has worked on his own stone designs exclusively since. His work has been featured in the New York Times , House Beautiful , The Boston Globe Magazine , Architectural Digest , and Metropolitan Home . He has also been featured on HGTV's Modern Masters and local programs in the Northeast. He has two sons, Asa and Truman. Alison Shaw is a fine-art and editorial photographer who lives and works on Martha's Vineyard, which has provided the inspiration and subject matter for much of her color and black-and-white photography. Over five thousand of her original fine-art prints are in public and private collections. Alison's work appears regularly in Yankee Magazine , Martha's Vineyard Magazine , and Cape Cod Life . She teaches photography workshops for the Maine Photographic Workshops and Santa Fe Workshops. Alison lives with her family in Oak Bluffs.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published August 8, 2005

Reviews

[Peter Frielink · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great mixture of inspiring stories and intricate stone work!

[Pengfei Fang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone as a hard natural shape, has been used in all kinds of great buildings in the pre-modern era, and also be seen in many villages,towns,roads,and homes.From life,watching and designing,it’s more important for people to get aesthetic education.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a birthday gift. I have known about Lew French for quite some time and have been drooling over this book but never picked it up. I regret not having done so long ago.

This is the kind of work I aspire to do. I really like the look of naturally stacked stones - no cuts or chipping etc and that is what French is known for; tight fits and a beautiful flow that is mesmerizing. While I have built fireplaces and walls that come close, I also realize it is going to take a few more years to reach Lew French's mastery of stone work.

The pictures feature work he completed on 8 different residences in Martha's Vinyard where he resides. And, if the stunning beauty isn't enough, he also discusses his work in a very readable, intelligent and engaging manner. Lew French embodies the qualities I most admire; he works with his hands, he is an artist and he is articulate.

[Chrisl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The regional library shows two buildings with the book. One has it cataloged 693 - building Trades - Masonry. Other has it shelved in 721 section - Architecture/concrete construction. Another option I likely considered before selecting 693 was 770 for photography. Amazing art.
***
Those oversized books with pictures, particularly the spectacular photography stuff, often had marginal library durability.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Master Gardener Association met Lew French at our conference last week. A humble man with a remarkable talent. He spoke to us of the projects that are highlighted in this book . It was a gorgeous and inspiring presentation. I purchased this coffee table book to keep the beauty and the inspiration of his work close to hand. If only I could behold his work in person .....

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing photos of stone work by a construction worker on Martha's Vineyard. Didn't read it word-for-word but was very taken with the photography. I think the book caught my eye because of our stone house and all the stone on our property. Any friends feel free to borrow it.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous book of superb stonework. I could get lost in the photos, but also am intrigued by his engineering as well as his artistry.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this book on CBS Sunday Morning and had to pick it up. French's artistry is a treat for the eye and the photographs in this coffee table book bring it to life.

[Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

beautiful showcase of his work.... but doesn't really serve as a design resource