CUTTING ROOFING SLATES | SCULPTURE ARTIST CREATES ART FROM ROOF TILES

Demonstrating how I cut and shape roofing slate tiles. I discuss a slate knife (or slater's knife) versus a hammer. I'm cutting and shaping roofing slate in preparation for building a stacked slate pear sculpture. I'm a sculpture artist based in Scotland. I'm a completely self taught artist and have just started sharing my work videos on KZbin. I hope you enjoy what I do.
The sculptures are later secured so that it is safe when moved and installed to gardens, homes and corporate spaces.
I ship my work worldwide.
COMMISSIONS
I am available for Public, Private and Corporate commissions. I ship my work worldwide and where required work on site building my sculpture in situ.
MORE ABOUT MY WORK....
Find me on Instagram: / james_parker_sculpture
Facebook: / jamesparkersculpture
Website: www.jamesparkersculpture.co.uk
CONTACT
To discuss a commission or find out what work I currently have available for purchase, please use the contact details listed on my website above.
This video is intended to be viewed for entertainment and is not a tutorial. I am completely self taught and aim only to give an insight into the process involved.
#slate #slateroof #roofing

[@shirleylaboy603]

Awesome video James. Im glad Graeme sent us to your page. I will be a permanent member, can't wait to see what you do next. ❤🙂

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Shirley. Really appreciate the support.

[@mp180170]

James your family is killing my Netflix viewing!!! I’ve come over from your brothers channel & I’m finding your slate cutting as mesmerising as watching cows and bull’s having their hooves done! What a talented family BIG thumbs up from Surrey 👌🏼

[@sharonclifford7539]

Stating the obvious but the hammer looks to have a better weight and balance. Cannot wait to see the pear done so I can show my brother, he saw the apple and little pear in your vid and was in awe, he can turn wood, treen, and can appreciate how beautiful your pieces are. X

[@hollys89]

I mean the talent he has is amazing right??

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Sharon! Turning wood, another beautifully cathartic process.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you Holly!

[@annihilatedbutcomingback1119]

I'm so happy your brother sent me here last week😁🤗 your work is beautiful! You are a true artisan💗

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you. Great to have you onboard.

[@yaboiradish8554]

You and your brother are so talented! I honestly didn't even know you two were brothers till you mentioned it, but that's super cool

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you! You found us individually? That's interesting. I know a huge number of people have found me through my brother and quite a few of my Instagram followers now folliw @thehoofgp fantastic channel! Small world!

[@lmbarak]

Thank you for sharing the details of your work. It's obvious you've mastered your craft. For some reason it's really relaxing to watch you chip slate in real time and the sounds the slate makes are almost musical.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you! Delighted you enjoyed it.

[@charlesfyler3878]

There's nothing like having the right tool for the job.

[@hollys89]

WOW.. again James. This is why you have the fans and the following you do. This is shear talent!! It's absolutely fascinating to watch you be able to chisle and hammer away at each of the pieces of slate molding them into fine lines and circles! OMG I would give anything to have an 1/8 of the talent you have in your little finger! To me it almost seems like a hammer would be more comfortable? The slate knife looks like it kind of bounces back (like a kick back for lack of better terms) on the wrist? I'm probably wrong I'm certainly no artist. How long is it for 2000 pieces? Wow? It all comes back to WOW! Is this pear going to Chelsea I wonder??

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Holly, kind words. It'll take about 60 hours to shape the stone then longer to make adjustments and build the sculpture. The stone always needs adjusted to fit. Chelsea's been cancelled this year sadly. This piece is for a client.

[@hollys89]

@@jamesparkersculpture I'm sorry to hear about Chelsea. Certainly will be a beautiful piece in anyone's home or collection! Man, 60 hour's... amazing! Thank you

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you

[@KellyAshcraft-ww6ls]

Yes... the hammer works better for what your doing .... excellent work over there James 😏👊👌 can’t wait to see the finished pear 🍐

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Kelly!

[@gazb9179]

No way!!! I love watching the hoof g.p! Yeah man!!👍 Good to see you cutting your slates from the back. Always cut from the back.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Gaz!

[@100nanay]

Fascinating! Lovely video! What great a great tool. We don’t have many slate roofs here in Midwestern USA. I wonder how it would handle hail and our extreme temperatures. It would certainly be more beautiful than regular shingles. It’s interesting to think of how, millions of years ago a volcano erupted, spewing ash, gradually morphing into slate, and now it’s being transformed into one of you phenomenal sculptures!

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Vanessa, I have work in Chicago, the Swiss Alps and Canada and those have never had any issues with the temperature.

[@tamiesmith3303]

thank you again for all the behind the scenes reasons why and how you do you art!

[@jamesparkersculpture]

My pleasure Tamie. Thanks for watching!

[@abuelitacaicedo3185]

Thank you for your art but also for being a patient teacher. 👌

[@jamesparkersculpture]

My pleasure Abuelita!

[@garrybeard7718]

The hammer is the one .quicker straighter and a better finish great video James well done mate.👍🇬🇧🍺🤘

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Garry

[@NorAnon]

Wow! Beautiful! I carve and repurpose slate tiles and create personalized house signs. But this is REAL art!🙏🏻💕

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you. That's kind of you.

[@carolnicholl3328]

Amazing as always James. You make it look so easy and as we all know its certainly anything but it. You have an amazing talent. Can't wait to see your Pear Sculpture, it sounds massive.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Carol. Been a busy few days chipping away!

[@bentleeissac9557]

You all prolly dont give a damn but does anyone know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly lost my login password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me!

[@fletcherpeyton1963]

@Bentlee Issac instablaster :)

[@bentleeissac9557]

@Fletcher Peyton Thanks for your reply. I found the site on google and im trying it out atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@bentleeissac9557]

@Fletcher Peyton it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my account :D

[@crystallewis3849]

Can't wait to see the finished product. I see how you control the way the slate reacts to the hammer by the way you strike it. By using the hammer head at a slight angle it cuts\breaks the slate and by using the hammer head in a straight flat position it cleans up the tiny loose ends and blunts the edge.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Crystal. Yes - the hammer creates a smoother curve.

[@OneKindWord]

I’m saving this video for the reclaimed slates I rescued from a shed roof. Now I have you to show me how to shape them. Thank you.

[@joykiser6673]

Thanks James. Your workshop looks so cozy with the fire going.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

I do like the stove. It's a nice kind of heat it gives off.

[@ilonamollema6467]

That Pear Sculpture will be amazing! Can't wait to see the process of you making it. The weight of that sculpture will be humongous. 😱 Hope to see the process video's arriving soon here on KZbin. Until then: wishing you all the best and a lot of creativity making that huge pear!🍐

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Ilona. Look forward to showing you when complete!

[@scottblair8625]

Who knew folks could be captivated by a guy whacking slate with a hammer! But I am one of them!

[@jamesparkersculpture]

😂 Thanks Scott... I think 😉😂

[@scottblair8625]

It was a compliment it didn't sound like one cuz I'm a weirdo but it was a compliment

[@jamesparkersculpture]

@@scottblair8625 😂😉I know it was! Just kidding. Thank you!

[@LadyLithias]

Yay!!! My favorite KZbinr! :)

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you 😉

[@judywheeler8734]

I’ve never seen anything like this. It is amazing. Thank you.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Steven-vo8tk]

Loved the video. Thanks for sharing on the difference of the slate and the tools on shaping it. I am so glad that Graham told me about your channel.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Steven!

[@michaelhogan9053]

In the US we had slate cutters for roofing. They looked like big ol paper cutters, curved blade attached to base, would cut and dress the edges(chip). The best tool is the one that works. Vermont has many colors, the red is cool for a Big Heart!

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Michael! Sounds interesting!

[@matshagstrom9839]

thank you!!!! just what i needed to see before starting my bonsai pot project brilliant Mats H

[@andrewwilliston5798]

It's amazing to me that you can see and shape the piece your working on without a designated reference, I guess that's skill leading to your vision, which is amazing art. Really cool stuff

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you!

[@susansollee1839]

Thank you James, Great technique! The hammer is you tool of choice. The slaters knife seems to slow you down. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🌻💕🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🌷 Graeme told me about you. Your amazing talent, made me stay.🤗

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Susan. A hammer is second nature - still feel the after effects each norning when I wake up. But then I know I've done a days work.

[@astra1653]

That is simply fascinating to watch. Thank you for the tutorial!

[@jamesparkersculpture]

My pleasure! Thank you!

[@pjk1714]

Amazing Your years of experience reflects in this video.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you

[@robinier]

I was trying to figure out what the heck a "zax" is and know I'm learning all about slate sculptures lol. Cool stuff!

[@jamesparkersculpture]

🤣 The joy of the youtube algorithm!

[@rustamgani6826]

I no have words.... Grat! Thanks!

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you!

[@tonirichardson2783]

I love your sculptures! 🥰 They are beyond beautiful! 💞

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you very much Toni!

[@805Coastal]

I'm truly astonished at how you are so detailed with that hammer. I can't even cut a straight line in a piece of paper and a very sharp pair of scissors!! 😄 Thank you for sharing. 💜💛💜

[@jamesparkersculpture]

😂 My pleasure! Lots of practice 😉

[@jenkeep8123]

Thanks James! I always learn something new. 😊 I can tell you're more comfortable with the hammer, and it seems to be faster as well. The pear will be beautiful!

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Jen. Definitely feels like second nature. I hope so! It's under way now. A long way to go though.

[@marymonson2187]

It is so fascinating to watch you work. Just how strong are your hands and arms? I know when I milked cows by hand, I could lift 100# sacks of grain. I was feeling pretty good about myself until our horse got out and found the grain sacks and he picked them up with his teeth and just shook them like they were rags. I didn't feel too strong after that.😂 I don't know why, but when I watch your videos, memories of growing up on the farm just start flowing. Can't wait to see another sculpture from you! Keep well, the Governor of our state (Minesota) is finally starting to let some businesses open. I hope Scotland will do the same.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Hi Mary, they're about as strong as they are sore 😉 Here we are permitted to work if you cannot work from home so I've continued to do so.

[@brendanoneill1466]

Unreal. Wonderful control. Incredibly impressive.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Brendan

[@stephaniejohnson3341]

With every video I learn more about your work and appreciate your artistry even more. I especially liked the focus today on the tools.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Stephanie. Delighted you enjoyed it and thanks for your support!

[@jackreeves3001]

Lovely video! Thanks for sharing! KANSAS USA!

[@jamesparkersculpture]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching. Delighted you enjoyed it.

[@ericavanderlinde1277]

Very enjoyable. Glad I subscribed. All the best.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you Erica, great to have you onboard!

[@daveycortez2944]

I really like that you have your own talent. Very satisfying channel.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you Davey

[@nigelwylie01]

Wonderful video James, thank you. I don’t think there is any need to speed up the video of the process. There is something very lovely about watching an artist about their work. Or maybe one video of just time lapse to one of real-time, so subscribers can chose? Anyway I love watching your channel. Graeme sent me, I’m subscribed and staying!

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you. It's a tricky balance. I start with around 40 hours of video footage and clearly can't show that. So I can either speed it all up and show the whole process or cut small sections out and show those in realtime. Of course I'd love it if people wanted to watch for as long as possible but don't want to tune the risk of turning people off! Not sure how long people want to watch for?

[@nigelwylie01]

Hi James, thanks for your reply. I see. Of course you would start with masses of hours, and have to make editing choices; I hadn’t really thought of that. If you are concerned about putting people off, how about trailing a longer real-time video, in the two or 3 preceding videos, then really going for a long real-time one, clearly labelled? Then nobody will be surprised. Those who want to watch can, and those who don’t can wait till the next one. For the longer real-time video you could experiment with no speech, and let the slate and tools do the talking? Just a thought. Some of the best craft videos I’ve watched were like that. Anyway, just a suggestion. I like all your content. Thank you.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks, I've made quite a few with no speech. Have you seen them?

[@nigelwylie01]

No James, I’ll take a look! Thanks for the heads-up

[@nigelwylie01]

Would it be possible to collect them together into a playlist? I can’t tell from the titles which they are, can I?

[@markhoulding1938]

Came across your video by accident But absolutely brilliant Credit were credits due 👍

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Mark, really appreciated!

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

I found you myself, but the funny thing is I'm also subscribed to the hoof GP. But I'm into art way more than cows. Very cool, thanks for sharing. You got my subscription without Graham.

[@Sanchiiiiiiiiiiii4]

Very nice video 👍

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you 😊

[@arelijaimes5715]

👋

[@lesleyyoung5730]

VERY interesting video, you answered questions I didn't even know I had. Overall weight, differences in thickness & twisting, other cutting/shaping tools, etc. One question, using the slaters knife, did it leave the same edging (the underside edge we didn't see) as your hammer? ie: the flaked layered look?

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Lesley, yes the same 'hand dressed' edging is created with the knife.

[@countrywandering6163]

Great work mate. Slater to trade here, get yourself a decent slate knife like a braids or similar make. That one you used looks like one of the cheap silverline numbers. Get a decent one, wieghted so much better instead of that anchor your using. Keep up the good work 👍

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks - I was mainly pointing out why I don't use one. I prefer a hammee 🔨 😉

[@mariesplace9547]

🤗 stay safe

[@jamesparkersculpture]

You too Marie! Thank you

[@karenflowers9611]

I have used hundreds of pieces of roof slate and I think slate is SO beautiful. I am looking for ideas.

[@jamesbaxendale9618]

When you cut with the slate knive wrap your thumb on the step out part of the blade you will find it much easier and get a straighter cut

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks James. I'm grateful for the advice.

[@calebwhite6173]

Hey James. We had a electric slate cutter that did very well with radius and strait cuts and really sped up production. I do like the hands on approach though so it may not be for you.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Caleb

[@lsweeten1971]

What does the material waste get used for after a sculpture has been completed? **edit** Woop... found the answer in another video. =D kzbin.info/www/bejne/n53MmoebhdWmra8

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you! I love this edit! Thanks for watching 😉

[@tigerprincess9222]

Oh, you make that look so easy but, I'm sure it's not. What do you use to bond the slate pieces together? How did you start sculpting?

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you. A fee things I prefer to remain a mystery. I began sculpting when someone was throwing some slates away. Although I'd been creative as a dry stone waller from a young age. I began helping my Dad walling in the farm at about 4 or 5 years old. Checkout the Scotland's dry stone walls video!

[@seankedenss4708]

Amazing 😉 was wondering what’s that round ur waist

[@crystallewis3849]

I think it's part of his respiratory equipment, i.e. filters for his mask

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you. It's the fans which are attached to air hoses providing clean air.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Crystal. Spot on 😉

[@GraeMatterz]

Thanks for the technique vid, James. I'm curious, have you ever used shale instead of slate? (Another channel I watch is a geology professor in the Pacific NW US who was just talking last week about how mud turns into shale, which transforms into slate with heat/pressure. Immediately thought of you and what the difference would be using it instead.)

[@jamesparkersculpture]

My pleasure! I've not used shale for a sculpture. It wouldn't be as strong and I imagine not as regular.

[@SuperZytoon]

How is it that your hands aren’t bruised and bleeding with smashed fingernails? 😹. You are amazing.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you. It is funny. I've had people at exhibitions suggesting that 'those hands didn't make these sculptures' 😂😂😂 It's quite amusing. ⚒

[@indie825]

LOL...silly me thought you were going to use the pointing part, sticking up out of the slate knife, like a glass cutter. I'm guessing the hammer causes less wrist pain than the slate knife. All the impact going directing into the wrist must hurt quick a bit after a while. Question: Do you find your left wrist is a slightly larger than your right? I ask as my dad always said his left wrist was slightly larger due to holding things static and the right wrist did all the work of cutting, hammering, etc. Great vid! 👍

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you! My right wrist, hand and each of my fingers are quite a lot bigger than my left in actual fact. The pointed part of the knife is for making holes for nails when used in the roofing industry.

[@indie825]

@@jamesparkersculpture Ahh...so that's how slate roofs are secured in place. It never occurred to me.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

They used to use oak dowels but now they use nails instead.

[@thekatt...]

Who forgot to hit that 👍 ???

[@jamesparkersculpture]

😉 Thanks

[@darrengoodwin4376]

Use the slate knife and iron like scissors

[@annebell7274]

That was fascinating. When you marked the curve on the slate, was that with chalk or does it cut a very fine groove into the slate that snaps when you hit with the hammer ? I think that the hammer is more versatile for doing the curves and you do a lot of curves 🌞 The satisfaction when seeing the subject come to fruition must be amazing. Thanks for this video and I look forward to seeing the next part. Take care and Stay safe 🌳🌹🌳

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thank you Anne. It's just a scratch rather than adding anything to the surface. The white appearance is just the dust.

[@annebell7274]

@@jamesparkersculpture 🌿🌹🌿

[@sandiblohm6733]

About how many hours do you think it will take you to make this new sculpture? Cant wait to see it......

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Hi Sandi. Thanks. Over 200 hours plus installation.

[@PeggyStentzCasey]

What do you do with the bits of slate that are left over? Also, are the sculptures held together just from their weight? How are you able to ship them? I really enjoy bother yours and your brother's Channels!!!

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Hi Peggy. Thank you. We both appreciate your support! I did a Q and A a while ago which covers quite a bit of this.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/n53MmoebhdWmra8 This will answer your questions and more. I use all sorts of methods to secure the slate. Most are built dry and fixed later.

[@imcavdb5465]

Do you have to move your sculptures inside in winter? The slate I have, is not weatherproof and brittles.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Hi Imca, no they are okay outside. The slate I use is all of a good standard, similar to those slates used on roofs.

[@imcavdb5465]

James Parker Sculpture : I do have a niece who is master roofmaker, also with slate. She's an artist at great hights 🌸

[@ritabenavidez2379]

So if there is a way that I can talk to you

[@601salsa]

Ok question what do you do with the waste material from your sculptures?

[@jamesparkersculpture]

I recycle it. Give it to local landscaping companies.

[@ritabenavidez2379]

Hi James , I would love to ask you some questions about you work. But I dont want to leave them on here.

[@hollys89]

Rita try going to Instagram he's probably gotta page? Good luck

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Hi Rita, I think you found me on instagram! Thanks!

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Holly. Quite right... Rita found me. Thanks for pointing her in the right direction.

[@Isabella-nh5dm]

Ohh...now. you're as bad as your brother. Although you're wearing respiratory protection what have you done with your safety glasses? I know I've seen you wear them before. As I said to Graeme you only get two eyes. The stupidest little thing can send a chip in your direction. Now that I've chastised you, I really enjoyed this video. It shows that there are several ways of accomplishing something but it always goes better when you have a technique you are comfortable with. Looking forward to your next video.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks Etta, I do wear them when necessary. Particularly when I'm using power tools. Will try harder!

[@johnlong3214]

Witchcraft! 👍

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Thanks John

[@scottmcmunn5369]

How do you move the sculpture off the pallet?

[@jamesparkersculpture]

I rebuilt it bonding each piece as I went.

[@avamccurley5290]

Wow. A circle without marking g it. I can't cut one out of paper without marking.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

🤣

[@slateroofingschool]

try using a German hammer, it does it much faster.

[@davidyoung8166]

What size are the slate

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Hi David. They're all different sizes.

[@petdetail]

Is this a commissioned piece? If so, where will it be installed?

[@jamesparkersculpture]

Hi, yes it is a commissioned piece. It will be installed in England in a private garden. I'm afraid I can't say exactly where.

[@petdetail]

@@jamesparkersculpture That's one very fortunate person.

[@jamesparkersculpture]

I couldn't do what I love without my clients support...symbiosis!

[@joseflores199506]

Dang iam sorry but I do this everyday and he's sucks I use my slate hammer and quick clean and easy I can tell this guy only do videos the way someone uses his tools demonstrates the real skill 😉😜😄 I love slate

[@jamesparkersculpture]

🙄😂😂😂

[@joanphillips7123]

A cow for your brother

[@jamesparkersculpture]

😂 just one or an entire herd?

[@euniceputhoff3473]

Wear eye protection please. 🤓

[@jamesparkersculpture]

😉