TOM DALTON

NAME:Tom Dalton

FROM: Tramore, Waterford (Currently based in Waterford) PROFESSION:Craftsperson (wood) BUSINESS/COMPANY/PRACTICE NAME:

ABOUT ME

I originally studied at Grennan Mill Craft School where I received a foundation in weaving, print- ing, ceramics and metalwork. I continued on to graduate from Crawford college of Art and Design, receiving a First Class Honours in Fine Art in 2011. After working in the arts for a number of years I retrained in Furniture Design and Making. Since graduation in 2018 I have worked alongside oth- er furniture makers to develop my skills and experience, while also engaging in my own projects. I

currently work as a Sculptor’s assistant in the production of large-scale green oak sculptures in the Scottish Borders, employing traditional joinery methods.

My furniture blends contemporary approaches to traditional processes with a sensitivity towards material choices. I am inspired by the Irish vernacular and the coastal landscape where I grew up. The tones and textures of sand dunes, the sea and wildflowers are reflected in materials such as wool felt, pale native hardwoods and milk paints. The ‘story’ behind the objects I create is all import- ant, and for me, imbues a piece of work with meaning. This can be seen in a set of chairs I created. The Nini and Paddy chairs seek to contemporize the Irish ‘famine’ or ‘hedge’ chair. These heritage pieces arose not from a rigid set of design principles, but from harsh parameters of scarcity of re- sources and, for me, display a beauty that belies the bleak reality in which they took shape.

I see my participation in iAtelier online as an opportunity to connect and learn from both my peers and experts within craft and digital design, increasing the resilience of my practice by embracing new skills. I hope to bring my enthusiasm for art, design and making as well as commitment, energy and sensitivity to the programme.

MY SKILLS

Furniture Making Ceramics Drawing

Printing Weaving

Spray Laquering Wood turning

Basic Sketchup & Basic CAD Photoshop