HAVING carved her own place in York history by becoming a Freeman of the City, sculptor Emma Dexter (above) is now shaping a new future out of stone.

Not long after Emma's stint at the Minster Stoneyard entitled her to this first honour for more than 40 years through stonemasonry apprenticeship to a Freeman Master, she launched her sculpturing business at the Fishergate Centre in February, with help from a £3,000 Prince's Trust loan.

Emma, who lived in Bonn, Germany, since the age of six, was taught to paint by her artist step-father. She went on to study under the wing of 84-year-old German master, Johanne Brand and then turned to sculpture.

Determined to work in stone, she travelled to England and after six months at York College was invited to join the select band of stonemason apprentices in the Minster under Freeman clerk of works, Steve Mills.

Her new venture called simply, Emma Dexter Sculptor, has become increasingly busy - serving a growing number of private clients, including art collectors and businesses.

Right now she is working on a nude torso, titled Piano, for the Blue Mirel Gallery in Fossgate and creating a number of garden sculptures along the lines of Violina, a work which was admired at her first exhibition at York's City Screen as part of the 2001 Digital Arts Festival.

These range from small statues costing £500 to a £6,000 Egyptian-style water feature, but the biggest demand is for her works with a musical theme. Hence Violina and other musical instrument shapes which seem to be merged with flesh.

Emma says: "I also have a whole sketchbook of new ideas, including a big ball of foam peppered with expressive eyes, some half-closed, amused, smiling, gleeful, sad... an eyesball, if you like!"

Updated: 10:49 Tuesday, February 26, 2002