The Stone Shaper

Monumental presence

Leaving Mariscal Cactus & Succulent Nursery, we were on a dual mission: first, find that Mexican restaurant the plant seller said was so good, then visit a stoneyard we’d passed with what appeared to be some monumental stone sculptures behind its fence. We lunched, then dashed back, fearing the place would close before we got there … happily, we made it; I wouldn’t have been able to stand the disappointment of not satisfying my curiousity about the sculptures if we hadn’t. Pulling up to the gate we picked up a brochure which explained that the mammoth stones were the work of artist Roger Hopkins. We couldn’t wait to get a closer look, so we continued down the long driveway, pulling up to the amazing sight above: a grouping of what looked like Neolithic stele with glyphs carved into them! Getting out of the car, with the icy desert wind and raindrops stinging our faces, it felt like we were in another, more-primitive, world … and we were surrounded by gargantuan stones hewn into a fantastic array of shapes and sizes!

Masterful

I was astonished by this precisely cut, yet rugged, corkscrew column made of basalt. Elegant on a massive scale, it’s a visually exciting combination of rough surface patina combined with smooth stonecutting. This is clearly the work of a master stone carver. Not surprising, since Hopkins has been shaping both native and imported stone and desert boulders since relocating to Southern California in 1999. This piece, and those in the opening picture, would be dramatic focal points in any landscaping or garden scheme … their decorative qualities indisputable. But, as commanding as these decorative accents are, Hopkins has a real affection for shaping stone into functional accents for both inside and out.

Form, function

Fountains, basins, benches, bathtubs, seating, hot tubs, firepits, they’re all within Hopkins’ skill set and he welcomes specific commissions. Primitive spiral glyphs are all hand-carved and have an irresistible attractiveness about them … running my fingers in the carved grooves is a sensual feel-good moment. Other pieces feature smoothly polished areas that provide not only gorgeous visual accent but also the requisite smoothness for comfortable seating. Still others, like the gold-bronze egg, have had areas accented with metal, lending them a subtle color and shine. Neither Hopkins or anyone else was on-site during our visit so we weren’t able to ask about cost … but I think this might be one of those “if you have to ask — you can’t afford” them situations … and I shudder to think what the cost to have a piece delivered would be! Still, they’re so primally beautiful I can’t stop thinking about them …

Astonishing

Hopkin’s stone-shaping studio is part of a larger rock and building supply yard, and pulling up to it there’s an ‘enter at your own risk’ sign on display … probably good advice when actual stone shaping is happening. There’s a monstrous stone slicer that is pretty mind-boggling, but makes perfect sense when considering the size of these pieces. Although I don’t remember seeing them, I’m sure cranes and other hoists must be used here, too, being that the tallest of these basalt columns must be at least 20-feet tall! Altogether: pure amazement! We were enjoying ourselves but it was just too cold and rainy to stay any longer and we headed back to the gate … the workers in the rock yard obviously felt the same since they’d closed in the meantime. Pushing the heavy metal gate open so we could head back out onto Dillon Road, I knew I’d return soon … I have questions about price and want to have a closer look … and Paul’s looking forward to asking if he can root around in their scrap heap (such a dreamer) …

Click here for Roger Hopkins Stone Sculptor’s website. The studio is located at 65005 Dillon Rd., Desert Hot Springs, CA, 92242. It’s recommended that you call before visiting, as Hopkins isn’t always on-site; (760) 409 2210

In the video that follows, Hopkins (using the name Count Rockula) offers a 10-minute tour of his studio: