This extraordinary piece of alabaster from my supplier Southern Stone had the most incredible texture. Like the knots of a fleece. I lived with the stone (as I usually do) and could see a Ram’s head. The difficult decision was whether it would face forwards or backwards. I made my choice based on which would give me the largest space for the curve of the horn.

I had to take very little away - just enough to reveal his face. Isn’t he magnificent!