Author Archives: Joel Penhorwood

Episode 31 – Janey Westin

Stone Carvers Guild Podcast

In this episode of the Stone Carvers Guild Podcast, hosts Bethany Lee, Matthew Johnson, and Joel Penhorwood sit down with longtime letter carver and calligrapher Janey Westin.

Janey calls Minnesota home and began her career as a professional calligrapher in 1985. Her love of letters naturally led her into the world of stone carving. Over the years, she has expanded her work beyond lettering into sculptural projects in a wide range of stone.

Janey has also shared her knowledge by teaching letter carving at the Indiana Limestone Symposium.

Episode 30 – Kierk Ashmore-Sorensen and The Alberene Foundation

Stone Carvers Guild Podcast

In this episode of the Stone Carvers Guild Podcast, we’re joined by Kierk Ashmore-Sorensen to discuss his work with The Alberene Foundation and its mission to preserve and advance traditional stone carving, specifically through the history of the The Alberene Soapstone Company.

Learn more about Kierk and his work at www.industrialstone.com and The Alberene Foundation at www.thealberenefoundation.org.

Episode 28 – Matthew Nunn

Stone Carvers Guild Podcast

Matthew Nunn, known as @marginedmallet on Instagram, is a dry stone craftsman with a deep rooted passion for the craft, its history, and education within traditional stone masonry.

In this ongoing series regarding stone carving related fields, he joins hosts Bethany, Matthew, and Joel to talk about his unique line of work and shares lessons he has found along the way.

Learn more about Matthew at his website, www.rivervalleystonework.com.

Episode 27 – Simeon Warren

Stone Carvers Guild Podcast

In this episode, Simeon Warren discusses his well-rounded stone carving education in England gained by working at Lincoln and Wells Cathedral. Theresa interview then diverges into thoughts about integrating new technologies into carving. We wrap up with Simeon’s story of how he and others founded the American College of Building Arts in Charleston, SC.

Learn more about Simeon at his website, linked here.

Episode 26 – Steve Mouzon

Stone Carvers Guild Podcast

In this special episode of the Stone Carvers Guild Podcast, Bethany, Matthew, and Joel sit down with architect Steve Mouzon of The Original Green to explore his unique philosophy on the role of stone in design. Known for his work in traditional architecture and sustainable building practices, Steve shares how stonework shapes his vision and why he believes it’s essential in creating spaces that endure.

Learn more about Steve’s work at his website, linked here.

Episode 25 – Killian and Petra O’Flaherty

Stone Carvers Guild Podcast

In this unique episode, Killian and Petra O’Flaherty join us from Ireland to discuss their lineage of stone carving, Ballyknockan (the “granite village”), and the importance of taking on apprentices. This is the Stone Carvers Guild’s first internationally recorded podcast!

Learn more about Killian and Petra’s business at www.oflahertystone.com.

Here are pictures, courtesy of Killian and Petra, about topics referenced in the podcast.

Episode 24 – Myles Schachter

Stone Carvers Guild Podcast

Myles Schachter of 2Sculpt joins the podcast crew to discuss his unique perspectives as a sculptor, supplier, teacher, and more in this eclectic episode.

As a stone sculptor and a supplier of stone and stone carving tools, he operates a business called 2Sculpt based in Lawrence, Kansas, where he has a studio and offers workshops. Learn more at www.2sculpt.com.

Below are pictures of Myles’ work he shared with us and we discuss in the episode.

Episode 23 – Maine Stone Workers Guild

Stone Carvers Guild Podcast

In this episode of the Stone Carvers Guild Podcast, Matthew and Joel mix things up by chatting with fellow stone enthusiasts from the Maine Stone Workers Guild. Guests Norman Casas and Sam Finkelstein share about their work, the mission of their guild, and give us a preview of the upcoming Rockland Stone Symposium happening July 14–26, 2025. It’s a great look at how the craft of stone carving is celebrated and promoted in another way.

Learn more about the Maine Stone Workers Guild at mainestoneworkersguild.org.

Plus, a link to the Trow and Holden guide discussed in this episode.