Art
9 Enchanting Pebble Portraits by Justin Bateman
British artist Justin Bateman creates intricate, impermanent portraits using pebbles and stones. His art, echoing the philosophy of Tibetan monks, captures the essence of iconic figures and leaves a lasting impression despite its transience.
By Beth Snider · January 22, 2024
"Stona Lisa"
In the serene landscapes of beaches, forests, railways, and mountains, British artist Justin Bateman breathes life into impermanent artwork using the medium of pebbles and stones. In 2018 at the age of 42 he started making abstract art using organic materials, and it was during this time he conceived the idea of using stones. Now residing in Chiang Mai, Thailand, his creations are more than mere arrangements; they are intricate portraits that pay homage to renowned personalities and iconic artworks. Justin Bateman/Instagram
"Pebble President"
Bateman's artistic process is unconventional, driven by the philosophy that art should be unrestricted. Each pebble, a natural-colored stroke, contributes to the overall composition, dictating the image's form as he allows the stones to guide his creative expression. From George Washington to Frida Kahlo, his subjects come to life in restricted color palettes, capturing their essence through stony hues. Justin Bateman/Instagram
"The Birth of Venus"
Unlike most mosaic art, Bateman never plans his portraits, the beauty of the process lies in its unpredictability, with each piece evolving organically. Many take several days to complete, inspired by the spiritual practices of Tibetan monks who create intricate mandalas from sand only to dismantle them once finished. Justin Bateman/Instagram
"The King IX"
Bateman's artistic journey is a reflection of impermanence, echoing the Tibetan monks' philosophy. His satisfaction comes not from the permanence of his work but from the knowledge that nature will eventually reclaim the stones he uses. As he eloquently puts it, "My work is impermanent; I leave only footprints." Justin Bateman/Instagram
"Masonry Messiah"
Though the pebble portraits are destined to disappear, Bateman captures their essence through photographs, creating a lasting digital reminder. The details in each portrait, resembling sepia-toned or grayscale photographs, showcase the depth and skill he achieves with pebbles alone. Justin Bateman/Instagram
"Bowie"
Having created over 120 works of art using over 1 million stones, his creations, ranging from 10 to over 80 square feet, include portraits of iconic celebrities like Robert De Niro and David Bowie. Justin Bateman/Instagram
"The Head of Giovinetta"
Bateman's artistic journey is deeply connected to his minimalist lifestyle and his love for travel. Using only naturally found stones without cutting or coloring, he remains mindful of the environment, selecting stones that harmonize with the local landscape. Justin Bateman/Instagram
"Queen Elizabeth"
The artist's inspiration for his subjects is diverse, influenced by requests, political or spiritual ideologies, and encounters during his travels. Bateman's creative process begins with meditation, allowing the chosen subject to emerge in his consciousness. From there, he meticulously plans the locations, weather conditions, and color palettes needed to bring the vision to life. Justin Bateman/Instagram