Of course, I would, I replied, and thought little more of it, as I really didn’t think they were serious. The brief developed into four life-size sculptures, and just before Christmas, the consultant floated the idea of my going to Italy to carve them. Rose Eva's artworks in Italy (Image: Rose Eva)I don’t think I’ve ever worked as hard as I have over the last three months. We shared the tiny bedsit, the cooking, the washing up and the tools, and – remarkably, I think – didn’t have a major bust-up. The opportunities for sharing a workshop are slim for stone sculptors: we make a lot of noise and need space, neither of which is conducive for wholesome artistic communities.