For nearly 20 years, fourth generation Lancaster County native Robert Beane has been adding a splash of Northern Neck aesthetic to home landscapes with his one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted stone creations.
Coming from a background in general concrete work, Beane uses his trade knowledge with his creative eye to craft the perfect statement piece for any home. Drawing much of his inspiration for his designs from the Northern Neck, Beane’s concrete pieces reflect the values, lifestyle and culture of the region.
From crabs, deer, volunteer fire department emblems, and other symbols, Beane uses his art to showcase the beauty and traditions of his home.
The stones, both a decorative accent piece for lawns as well as an homage to Northern Neck heritage, have served as a creative outlet for Beane, and a final piece that can tie together a landscape for his customers.
What inspired you to start creating your pieces?
I had started out working with concrete doing sidewalks and other kinds of that work, but my dad was an artist and my sister was a custom framer which inspired me to get into art myself. It’s a form of stamp art, so I combined what I knew with the artistic side of it.
What is the process of creating the stones?
I have to build a form, mix the concrete, which is a different mix than what you’d use for sidewalks or something like that, and add fiberglass to the mix as well as wired mesh for extra strength. It’s a lot like cooking; adding as I go along and trying new techniques since every single one is a bit different.
How long does it take usually, from start to finish?
Typically between three and four days, depending on the detail and size of the stone.
What is your favorite and least favorite part of the process?
I like the idea of coming up with an idea and executing it. I really like making people happy, too. Seeing people smile when they see the finished project is my favorite part. My least favorite is the weight and the dust…there’s so much dust.
What is your favorite piece?
Anything with the crabs. It symbolizes the Northern Neck.
What’s your most common request?
The crab.
What’s the most interesting request you’ve received?
A contractor had asked me for a four-foot stone and asked if he and his now-wife could step in the concrete so they could have their footprints in it. I told them they couldn’t so they brought a mold of their footprints so I could put that into the stone. When they got married, they said their vows on the stone in the molds, and each year they renew their vows standing in their footprints on the stone.
What do you envision for yourself and your art in the future?
I just want to keep doin’ what I’m doin’. I’m still learning and learn something new with each piece. I also really get to meet a lot of unique people all of the time. I make pieces for people in the area, all the way through the Carolinas even down to Florida. The art is like a little piece of the Northern Neck that travels all around.
