Works
Claire Haley
Insta: @haleybirddesign
MEET THE MAKER
I am a designer / maker of jewellery and small objects with a background in design and Architecture. Much of my work explores the potential of natural materials, often using them in unconventional ways and challenging them to be viewed from a fresh perspective. When I applied to iAtelier I had recently completed an MA in Design, during which I had begun to explore the potential of digital fabrication technologies. The experience had left me wanting more, however without access to the equipment I had used at university I needed to make some decisions about the most effective way to incorporate the technology into my practice. I applied to iAtelier for the opportunity to explore digital making further and potentially take my work in a new and exciting direction.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TAKE PART OF iATELIER ONLINE PROGRAMME?
So far iAtelier has been a stimulating, exciting and productive experience for me. The masterclasses provided inspiration and were a great conversation starter to aid with the networking sessions that followed. I really enjoy collaborating. I find the opportunities to approach things from a new perspective and the inevitable stimulating conversations about potential outcomes exciting and inspiring resulting in a revived enthusiasm for exploration and experimentation. The iAtelier programme has provided me with an opportunity to collaborate with creative and talented individuals who I would never otherwise have met or had an opportunity to work with. We discovered that we had parallel and complementary skills developed within our individual disciplines, but that we often approached similar tasked from a different angle. It has been wonderful to be able to focus on a particular project with a specific goal in mind and working in a team helps you to maintain your momentum and motivation on the project. Project prototyping will begin in earnest next week once we have access to SteamHouse and their digital fabrication facilities and I am looking forward to seeing what facilities and support they can offer us.
Five top tips you can offer others from your experience