I've heard a couple of different variations on the story.

One, in which the sculptor creates Galathea but she rejects him like all other women before, because he was just a generally unlikable guy.

Another, in which he falls in love with a vision of Hera and seeks to form her likeness. Hera visits to inspect his work, and when she reveals herself, he begs to become stone so he can be with his creation forever. Hera is flattered and chooses to bring the statue to life instead. The first words that Galatea says to her creator/lover is "Now I must remake you in kind".