“The Hiker,” A Memorial Mosaic
Stone mason and artist Marc Archambault, of Asheville North Carolina, has created a natural stone mosaic to celebrate the life of John LedBetter, beloved husband, father, doctor and Scoutmaster.
“The Hiker” rests over John’s grave site in the historic Riverside Cemetery in Asheville. Gwenda LedBetter, John’s widow, contacted Archambault to create a lasting memorial that was artistic and distinctive, to stand apart from the rows and rows of tired monuments.
John LedBetter loved the Blue Ridge Mountains and shared his appreciation with generations of Boy Scouts. Many years ago, Dr. LedBetter drew a simple logo for his Scout troop, of a hiker, pausing briefly to admire the mountain views. That logo became the inspiration for Archambault’s mosaic design. Archambault replaced the everyman silhouette of the original logo with John’s profile, drawn from pictures the family provided.
The finished mosaic is eight feet long and has a physical presence and immediacy that is quite moving. A natural stone bench sits below the mosaic to allow loved ones an intimate space when visiting.
Archambault used several types of stone to create the memorial. The hiker figure was cut from reclaimed Absolute Black granite, remnants from a local granite fabrication shop. Sandstone from Tennessee created a colorful sunset. The rolling mountains are cut from Pennsylvania bluestone. The outcropping where the hiker rests as he admires the sunset was made of native North Carolina fieldstone, just like the stones John would have hiked over and around all his life.
Stone has been used for millennia to commemorate and honor those who have passed. Memorial Mosaics by Hammerhead Stoneworks are a new interpretation of that timeless tradition.
About Marc Archambault and Hammerhead Stoneworks
Hammerhead Stoneworks is based in Asheville, North Carolina. Owner Marc Archambault blends his masonry skills and artistic eye to create highly crafted stoneworks and mosaics.
Marc and his small crew specialize in drystone masonry to create strong and beautiful works of functional art for customers all over the Southeast. Hammerhead projects range from flagstone paths, patios, stone walls, steps and benches to mosaic art including memorial mosaics.
Archambault’s stonework has been featured in two recent coffee table books and last year he completed his first public art commission, a mosaic for the City of Gainesville, Florida. In addition to building with stone, Archambault is devoted to sharing his craft with others. He teaches stonework classes and maintains an active website and stonework blog. He is a member of the Stone Foundation and Handmade in America.
For more information, visit Marc’s website at www.hammerheadstoneworks.com.
