I am an Irish artisan and designer born and
raised in Dublin, Ireland with strong Italian ancestry. I have worked
within the structural design and manufacturing engineering industries for over
thirty years. I began my career
as an apprentice in the craft of metal fabrication and welding, becoming a
master fabricator after completing my studies of the theoretical and practical
aspects of the craft, along with finishing the requisite journeyman voyage.
I then moved into a more design-focused role, concentrating on the creation of mechanical and structural
engineering products while studying and training to become a qualified,
practicing professional draughtsman. I have also lectured in 3D modelling,
engineering and metalwork design in the Dublin Institute of Technology.
My experience in
engineering, combined with a fusion of practical and theoretical knowledge, has
led me into the realm of conceptual art. This came about after having studied
Art and Industrial Design which further complimented my other mechanical and
design engineering qualifications. In addition, I have worked as a
self-employed industrial designer, and I have been creating conceptual metallic
artworks and digital drawings for the past number for years.
My range of distinctive
and individual metalwork creations are derived from my design, practical and
visual experience in engineering and geometric configurations. I have used this
influence to inject my ideas into new sculptural forms and also to attempt the
use of bio-mimicry and the influence of nature as a launching pad for
innovative art forms. My media are any recycled materials such as copper,
carbon steel and timber, and I enhance my creations using more refined
materials such as silver, brass and resins. My art form could be described as
either abstract or artistic Celtic-influenced metalwork and digital art.
Inspired by my eclectic
and rich experience in engineering, and my passion for sculptural forms, I am
heavily influenced by the great abstract artists and by various Italian
metalworking processes and styles. I am currently developing my own style of
geometrical creations. My enthusiasm is for all things metallic and my ambition
is to reform these various prepossessing materials into contemporary visual art
forms, such as urban and domestic furniture, jewellery and sculptures. The goal
and function of my art form is to find new and truly innovative ways to utilize
existing materials.
