Crafting with Stone: Brian Fairfield of Southern Maine
- Brick + Tides
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 12
Across Southern Maine, stone walls, fireplaces, and walkways stand as timeless features of the landscape. In Southern Maine, one craftsman has spent more than 25 years shaping those stones by hand. Brian Fairfield, known as @thatstoneguy on Instagram, has built his reputation as one of the region’s most trusted stone masons. From fireplaces that anchor a home to winding rock walls that seem to grow right out of the land, Brian’s work blends strength, artistry, and tradition.
Falling Into the Trade
Brian didn’t set out to be a mason—it found him. “I literally fell into the job when the gardener I was working for ran out of work for the season,” he explained. “She told me about a stone guy that was hiring, so I contacted him, and it started there.” That chance encounter began a lifelong career working with Maine’s rugged materials and earning a place among the state’s respected tradespeople.
The Dry-Stone Tradition
Unlike modern masonry that often relies on mortar or adhesives, Brian’s specialty is dry-stone walling—an ancient technique that relies on gravity, weight, and precision rather than cement. It’s a craft with international standards, and Brian has trained with the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain, the world’s leading authority on the proper way to build lasting stone walls.
This traditional approach is as much about engineering as it is about art. Before a single stone is set, Brian begins with preparation. “The pre-building process consists of digging out the ground and removing any organic material that would compost under the wall,” he said. “Then we put gravel in and build on that.”
From there, every stone is carefully chosen, shaped, and placed. “Besides the prep and the occasional boulder that needs an excavator, it’s all done by hand,” Brian added.
Tools, Technique, and Strength
In a world of power tools and modern machinery, Brian’s approach is refreshingly minimal. “I really don’t use much specialized equipment besides my hammers—and those are pretty basic,” he said with a laugh. The work may be low-tech, but it’s physically demanding, requiring both strength and endurance.
Instead of reaching for Tylenol after a long day, Brian relies on discipline and training. “I go to the gym after work at least five days a week to keep myself strong and limber. I believe that it’s important to keep all muscles strong and not just the few that lift heavy rocks and swing sledgehammers.” That balance of body maintenance and physical work allows him to keep practicing his craft at a high level year after year.
Beyond Masonry: Fieldstone Maine
While stone walls and fireplaces remain his core business, Brian has recently expanded his creative reach. Earlier this year, he launched Fieldstone Maine ( @fieldstonemaine), a collection of handcrafted stone lamps. These lamps transform rugged Maine rock into functional art, turning something as tough and unyielding as stone into warm, glowing light for the home.
The lamps have already gained attention from retailers, highlighting Brian’s ability to bridge traditional craft with modern design. Each lamp is one-of-a-kind, reflecting the same precision and respect for natural materials that his masonry work embodies.
Teacher and Storyteller
Brian isn’t just building stone structures—he’s also building knowledge. He regularly hosts educational seminars around Maine, sharing his skills with homeowners, students, and aspiring masons. By teaching others about dry-stone walling, he’s helping preserve a craft that connects today’s Maine homes to centuries of tradition.
Why His Work Matters
Brian Fairfield’s story reflects the enduring importance of traditional trades in Maine. His fireplaces and walls are more than functional—they’re permanent features that shape the way families live and gather. His lamps prove that stone can be as versatile as it is durable. And his dedication to teaching ensures that Southern Maine craftsmanship remains alive for generations to come.
Support Local Craftsmanship
If you’re planning a custom fireplace, a stone wall, or even looking for a Maine stone lamp to bring natural beauty into your home, Brian’s work deserves a place on your radar. Follow his journey on Instagram at @thatstoneguy and explore his lamp collection at @fieldstonemaine.
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