Carving Dreams in Stone: The Story of StoneFeather Creations
In the heart of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, a quiet revolution in stone artistry is underway. StoneFeather Creations, owned and operated by local artist Marcus English, has quickly earned a reputation for crafting breathtaking custom monuments, sculptures, and commemorative art pieces that merge history, emotion, and craftsmanship. Since launching in November 2022, Marcus has transformed his lifelong passion for art into a fast-growing business — one that is now leaving a lasting mark across the province.
“I’ve always been an artist,” Marcus says, his voice carrying the calm confidence of someone who has found his calling. “I’ve worked in all kinds of mediums over the years, but there’s something about stone. I love the permanence of it. When I carve something into stone, I know it’s going to be here long after I’m gone, and that’s powerful.”
The Inspiration Behind the Business
For Marcus, the journey to launching StoneFeather Creations began long before it became a registered business. Initially a carpenter and stonemason, he honed his skills through small personal projects. The turning point came when renowned Mi’kmaq artist Alan Syliboy saw some of Marcus’ early work and recognized his talent.
“Alan asked me if I could carve one of his paintings into stone — to sort of immortalize it,” Marcus recalls. “I told him I thought I could, so he actually took me to the store, bought me tools, and got me started.”
That first collaboration sparked something bigger. As more people saw Marcus’ work, requests started to pour in. Soon, what began as a passion project became a career path — one that Marcus knew he wanted to pursue full-time.
From Humble Beginnings to Professional Growth
Starting a business, however, wasn’t easy. Without a dedicated space or proper tools, Marcus found himself working out of borrowed garages and makeshift shelters, often battling the elements. “At one point, I was literally sitting outside with a little dremel trying to carve stones in the rain,” he laughs. “It wasn’t sustainable.”
Everything changed when Marcus connected with CBDC NOBL and enrolled in their Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) program. “That program kickstarted everything for me,” he explains. “I learned how to run a business - from taxes to social media to pricing my work. They gave me the knowledge and resources I needed, and eventually, I was able to secure a business loan to set up my own workshop. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”
With a proper workspace, Marcus’s projects grew in both size and scope. His first major commission — a reconciliation monument in Pictou — showcased his artistry on a whole new level. The project depicted the meeting of Indigenous peoples and Scottish settlers, and it set the stage for even bigger opportunities.
The Aberdeen Hospital Project
Perhaps Marcus’s proudest accomplishment to date is his large-scale commemorative installation at Aberdeen Hospital, celebrating the legacy of the hospital’s nursing, laboratory, and radiology schools. The project - nearly two years in the making - will serve as a permanent space of reflection for patients, visitors, and staff.
“The Aberdeen project has been the pinnacle of my skills so far,” Marcus says. “It’s allowed me to demonstrate what I can do on a large scale, and it’s meaningful because it honours generations of nurses and caregivers. It’s the biggest piece I’ve done to date, and it really pushed me to grow.”
Marcus admits there was pressure working on such a high-profile commission, but he thrives under those circumstances. “I actually evolve under pressure,” he says. “When I know the expectations are high, I push myself even harder. It forces me to be my best.”
A Personal Touch in Every Project
StoneFeather Creations offers a wide range of services, from large-scale monuments to personalized commissions. Marcus specializes in custom gravestones and driveway markers, giving clients the opportunity to incorporate personal details into each design.
“Everything I do is hand-carved,” he explains. “If someone loved fishing, I can carve their exact boat into the stone. If there’s a special image or symbol, I can bring it to life. It’s not like mass-produced work - it’s personal.”
Marcus uses a relief carving technique, removing the background so the image itself “pops” forward, creating depth and detail that few others in the region offer.
Community, Collaboration, and Support
Throughout his journey, Marcus has leaned on both the community and fellow artists for inspiration and encouragement. Alan Syliboy, in particular, has been a steady source of guidance. “Alan’s been amazing,” Marcus says. “He’s supported me as a fellow artist, written reference letters when I’ve applied for grants, and even asked me to take on one of my biggest upcoming projects - carving a 15-foot stone canoe. That’s going to be an honour.”
He also credits CBDC NOBL, and especially advisor Mary Fennell, for helping him turn his dream into reality. “Without NOBL, I wouldn’t have had the space, the tools, or the confidence to take on these bigger projects,” Marcus says. “They gave me an opportunity that completely changed my life.”
Looking Ahead
Even though StoneFeather Creations is still a relatively young business, Marcus has bold ambitions for its future. He envisions building the brand into something larger - an “elite artistry hub” where multiple specialists collaborate on multi-disciplinary projects that blend landscaping, stonework, and large-scale installations.
“I want StoneFeather to become a name people associate with creativity and excellence,” Marcus says. “Eventually, I’d love to take on million-dollar projects where we handle everything - from the design to the build - working alongside other talented artists and craftspeople.”
Most of Marcus’s projects come to him through word-of-mouth, but he’s exploring and creating new opportunities, such as pitching proposals to organizations like Parks Canada for installations across the country.
A Lasting Impression
And as for the business name? Marcus smiles. “I carved a stone feather one day, held it in my hand, and just said the words out loud,” he says. “It reminded me of the heaviness and lightness of life - those two extremes that we all carry. It just felt right.”
With every piece he creates, Marcus carries that same philosophy forward, blending strength and delicacy, permanence and storytelling. As StoneFeather Creations continues to grow, so does Marcus’s vision - one carved stone at a time.