Sample interview Questions

These questions could be used as the framework for an interview.

Suggested answers are written in white text.

• Mr. Eckley, it seems that personal cameos are becoming more and more popular. What type of picture do you recommend that family members select for creation into a cameo ?

I need a selection of photos that best capture the "spirit" of their loved one. A good professional studio can provide great images for me to work with. Please ask the photographer to contact Gareth Eckley at Portraits in Stone for advice.

The accuracy of a portrait is so important. How do you make your cameo portraits so true to life ?

This is where the magic happens and technique becomes art. I find out as much as I can about the subject so I feel that I know them. Then when I am carving I surround myself with images of the subject. In the final stages of carving my hands just seem to know how to bring the carving to life with their spirit.

• The reproduction cameo you did for the Queen of England is from a 400 year old piece that was made for Pocahontas herself. What differences are there between ancient cameos and modern ones ?

The tools and techniques are very similar for both ancient and modern portrait cameos. My portraits are carved by hand, using metal tools charged with diamond, then smoothed and polished with wooden, phenolic and leather wheels and points.

• What type of markings, and where on the piece, do you use to guarantee that a person has a genuine 'Gareth Eckley' portrait cameo Jewel ?

I sign all of my work usually on the front with Eckley and the year of the carving.

• What is the selection of agates that a person can choose from and what precious metals are used to make a beautiful and authentic cameo Jewel? How would one choose ?

The agate that I use for carving is available in a variety of colors. The cameo can be set in a custom designed frame of white or yellow gold or even silver. I will guide the customer throughout the design process.

• Is this art form affordable for most people, or are we looking at a major investment ?

A portrait cameo can range in price from $2,000 to over $14,000. For the UK that is from £1,000 to over £7,000. This is similar in price to a standard 4 - 5 mm round diamond set in a ring, however, a portrait cameo is truly unique.

• How long does a typical cameo order take to make ?

I like to have around 8 weeks to complete an order. However, if you have a special event in mind for the cameo portrait I may be able to deliver more quickly.

• Aside from the reproduction of the famous Pocahontas cameo, what other types of special cameos have you made ?

I find that every cameo portrait is special to me, as is the reaction of when they are given to the recipient.

• You have said you studied the great artists and sculptors such as Michelangelo, in particular his David statue, when you were developing your own incredible skills and techniques. What did such a classical education contribute to the depth and perspective of your work ?

The paintings of masters like Titian and great sculptors showed me how they acheived a great likeness. Certain features are altered, eyes, noses and lips are made larger to create a super realism that entrances the viewer.

• You have received a rare honor to be one of the jewelers who have contributed to the Royal Collection. Please tell us what such a (deserved) honor felt like and how you feel now, knowing your place in history as a cameo portait artist is secure ?

This was indeed a great honor to be asked to create this gift for Her Majesty. I must thank Virginia and Mark who first contacted me and all at the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation who were very generous in allowing me to examine the original cameo which you can see in the Jamestown Museum.

Contact Gareth Eckley directly by email artist@portraitsinstone.com, phone: +44 (0) 1874 711090, cell/mobile: 07896 331092, or visit the website at: www.portraitsinstone.com.