Artist Statement
After graduating from NCAD/UL in 1989 as an industrial designer I was hired as a part time technician in NCAD in the wood, metal, and plastics workshops of the industrial design department (1989-1996). In NCAD I assisted students from design, sculpture and glass-making departments to realise their projects. My first rocking-chair sculpture was built in NCAD during this time. In 1991, I established my studio in Dublin 1 working on models, prototypes for films, industry, awards, lighting, and furniture projects.
In the intervening years I have worked on hundreds of professional projects for clients in Ireland, the UK, Germany, France, the UAE, Russia, and the USA. I have also exhibited widely abroad and in Ireland,
In my studio career of 30 years I have collaborated with many architects, artists and clients on bespoke works including public sculptural, lighting, awards and artistic projects.
As a keen kayaker and rower I have great interest in the environment, particularly the sea and islands where I have done extensive cleaning of ocean plastic from the islands and initiated a community project Currachí na Sceirí where we have now built and renovated a fleet of three currachs.
Through collecting, cleaning, and foraging I have produced a lot of artworks relating to the sea. From my workshop in Duleek I work closely with recycling facilities to produce sculptural works from existing parts which includes aviation and industrial sources
I care deeply for the importance of tradition and heritage whilst always embracing the use of technology to aid in the creation of works.
I have a strong interest in history, it is often an inspiration in my artworks. It is interesting to look at myths and legends but also to try to find accuracy and clarity from history and interpretation of history.
My ethos is to try to create items of beauty and elegance which are built to last and I also strive to incorporate extra drama through lighting when the opportunity arises. I use a diverse palette of materials in my projects, always strive to find the correct choice for the job.