The story of Nature in Sandstone begins not with a carefully laid plan, but with a spontaneous moment. For Troy Genner, what started as a simple encounter with a chisel and hammer grew into a life’s calling. That first strike on stone opened a new creative pathway, one that has become deeply rooted in his connection to nature and the landscapes of the Southern Highlands.
Today, through Nature in Sandstone, Troy carves locally sourced Bundanoon sandstone into forms that celebrate the beauty of Australian flora and fauna. His sculptures draw inspiration from native birds, organic shapes and abstract impressions – each piece embodying a dialogue between artist and material. Troy’s practice is guided not only by what is visible but also by what is felt, evoking stillness, movement and memory.
The Essence of Nature in Sandstone
At the heart of Nature in Sandstone lies an appreciation for the natural world. Troy’s work captures the spirit of the Southern Highlands, drawing directly from its landscapes and wildlife. His sculptures often take the form of birds – particularly the glossy black cockatoo and the wedge-tailed eagle, two species that have become powerful sources of inspiration.
“I work entirely by hand with traditional chisels and hammers, letting the stone itself guide the outcome,” Troy explains. “Each piece carries the natural textures and colours of sandstone, which makes it deeply connected to our local landscape.”
This connection to place is integral to his work. The sandstone itself is not just a medium but a collaborator, shaped over millions of years before Troy begins to carve into it. By embracing its natural textures, colours and imperfections, he allows the stone’s own voice to remain present in the final artwork.
Inspiration in the Highlands
The Southern Highlands offers a rich environment that continues to inspire Troy’s evolving practice. The rolling hills and quiet country roads of the southern highlands form a backdrop to his work, providing both material and muse.
“I’ve recently taken up birdwatching and photography, which has become a rich source of inspiration for my work,” he says. “Observing birds in their natural environment has given me new perspectives on form and movement that influence my carvings.”
Through Nature in Sandstone, these encounters with wildlife and landscape are transformed into art that reflects not only what Troy sees, but also what he feels. His sculptures carry a sense of stillness and presence, inviting viewers to pause and reconnect with the natural environment around them.
Inside the Nature in Sandstone Studio
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Southern Highlands Arts Trail is the opportunity to step behind the scenes and experience art in the places where it is created. At Nature in Sandstone, Troy opens his Braemar studio to visitors, offering a warm welcome and a chance to immerse themselves in the world of sandstone carving.
“Visitors can expect an open, welcoming space filled with sandstone works in progress, finished sculptures and the tools I use every day,” he says. “You’ll see firsthand how raw blocks of locally sourced sandstone are transformed into artworks that celebrate nature.”
The studio is not a gallery in the traditional sense – it is a working space. Guests will encounter raw stone waiting to be shaped, hear the rhythmic sound of hammer striking chisel and see sculptures evolving step by step. This openness creates an intimate and authentic experience, allowing visitors to witness the physicality, patience and craftsmanship that define the art of stone carving.
New Works and Demonstrations
Each year, Nature in Sandstone brings something new to the Arts Trail, and 2025 is no exception.
“This year I’ll be sharing several new bird-inspired pieces, as well as some larger abstract carvings that push my practice in new directions,” he says. These works showcase not only his skill with traditional tools but also his evolving artistic voice, which increasingly leans into mood, movement and abstraction.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to see him at work during live demonstrations.
“It’s a rare chance to watch carving in action, ask questions, and connect with how raw sandstone becomes something sculptural and alive,” Troy notes. For anyone curious about the process, the demonstrations offer an unforgettable insight into the dialogue between artist and stone.
A Conversation Between Art and Nature
Troy’s practice through Nature in Sandstone is more than craft – it is a form of storytelling. The sandstone carries within it the history of the land, shaped by time and the elements, while Troy’s carvings draw out new narratives that speak to the beauty of the Australian environment.
His works often balance the permanence of stone with the transience of the natural world. A carved bird, frozen in flight, captures a fleeting moment of movement in a medium that will endure for centuries. Abstract forms, shaped by his hand but guided by the stone’s natural grain, evoke the rhythms and patterns of the landscape itself.
By placing these works in both private and public settings, Troy creates opportunities for connection. His sculptures invite people to pause, reflect and engage with the land in new ways. They are not only artworks but also touchstones – reminders of the importance of nature in our daily lives.
Why Visit Nature in Sandstone on the Arts Trail?
The Southern Highlands Arts Trail is a celebration of creativity in all its forms, from painting and ceramics to photography, textiles and sculpture. Each studio offers something unique, and a visit to Nature in Sandstone provides a truly immersive experience.
Located in Braemar at 20a Drapers Road, the studio offers visitors the rare chance to experience sandstone carving in its authentic environment. Whether you are captivated by the elegance of bird-inspired forms, intrigued by abstract carvings, or simply curious to see how raw sandstone is transformed into art, Nature in Sandstone promises an experience that is as inspiring as it is memorable.
The Southern Highlands Arts Trail 2025 will be held across the first two weekends in November, the 1st & 2nd and 8th & 9th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Studios and creative spaces throughout the region will be open, offering visitors the chance to connect with local artists, discover unique works and enjoy the vibrant creative spirit of the Southern Highlands. Download your map here today!
