THE MUSIC
of the Mason Photos by Robert Reck and Anna Morris
W
hile plants and animals come and go, little in this life is as lasting as the geological remnant better known as stone. It speaks of time immemorable, and few know its secrets like the masons who for centuries have molded it for human use. The way New Mexico Stone’s owner John T. Morris talks about stone is similar to the way a great painter might talk about their canvas. “My job totally absorbs me. Sometimes I don’t want to stop,” Morris describes. “I’m after the craftsmanship. The techniques for building a stone wall have been developed and perfected over thousands of years, and if you follow that legacy, you’ve won the whole battle — you’re a great stonemason.”
Morris grew up in New York City in the shadow of masonry like that of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Except he didn’t see the great stone walls as masonry at the time; it was just part of the everyday architecture. It wasn’t until after moving to New Mexico and serving as an apprentice under Robert Taylor for 12 years that Morris began to appreciate the masonry inherent in the paths, walls and buildings most take for granted. “I’ve always loved nature — the ocean, the grass, the sky, the clouds. It’s not surprising I would fall in love with stone, the foundation of this beautiful earth,” Morris reflects. “Stones are like clouds of the earth; no two are the same — each one has its own individual shape, makeup and coloration. Each stone’s
history shows in the way it’s been eroded, exposed to the sun, polished by water and shaped by other voices of nature. It’s like music; each time I pick up a rock there’s a new song to be sung.” The majority of Morris’ material comes from the southwest region, with a large percentage directly from in-state, both from quarries and collected off of ranches. All materials are natural and all work is done by hand. Projects range from custom hearths and tables, to delivery, installation and everything in between. The capable masons cater to whatever stone needs a client may have. The stone yard itself is a bustling place of work and passion where Morris and his employees make the magic of Mother Nature’s sculpture garden come alive. “I wouldn’t
From the foundations of the earth to the foundations of a wall, Morris and his masons make the music of stone sing. want anyone to assume I do this by myself though,” relates Morris, speaking of the many talented workers who make the stone yard run smoothly. “I’m the captain, but I’ve got a great crew that help me sail the ship. Some of my masons have been with me 20 plus years.” A recent project of New Mexico Stone was the stonework at the botanical gardens. Working with landscape architect Gary Smith, Morris relates how at a certain point there didn’t seem to be any other way for the stones to fit together, almost like it was preordained: “It was a revelation. Each pile of stone dictated my creativity.” From the foundations of the earth to the foundations of a wall, Morris and his masons make the music of stone sing. New Mexico Stone 850 W. San Mateo Rd. 505.820.7625 www.NewMexicoStone.net