Furniture Design & Making 2

Rory Drinan is a contemporary furniture designer originally from the south of England, currently based in Cork City. Coming from a fine art background, in recent years his practice has moved into the field on furniture making. “I create modern, unique pieces that concentrate of both form and function in equal measure”.

He is influenced by designers and artists such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Ettore Sottsass and Piet Mondrian; in particular their use of bold, bright colours and strong linear forms. His work has been selected for exhibitions including ‘Sensibility’ at Colaiste Stiofain Naofa and ‘Emerge’ in Wandesford Quay which was curated by Roisin Foley as part of the 2017 Cork Craft Month to showcase the talents of up and coming makers.

Rory has found his time at CSN to be hugely beneficial learning curve in his career, not only for the various new methods of making he has added to his skillset but also in the preparation for finding future employment. Rory plans to broaden his skills in the field of digital fabrication after the course and eventually aims to start his own business.

“My furniture work blends contemporary approaches to traditional processes with a sensitivity towards material choices. With a background in craft and fine art, there is a playful approach to materiality in my work; designs often present an element of the unexpected. Subtle juxtaposition of texture and form, colour and line are all important. I am inspired by vernacular art and design as well as the coastal landscape where I grew up. The tones and textures of sand dunes, the sea, wild gorse and sea-pink wildflowers are reflected in materials such as wool felt, pale hardwoods, water-based stains and milk paints in my work.I strive to embrace holistic systems of design, production, and consumption that benefit our world environmentally, socially, and economically. Materials where possible are sustainable, locally sourced and approved by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Reflections on the course – The year 2 Furniture Design and Making Course has been a wonderful learning experience. The tutors are highly skilled, knowledgeable, patient and approachable. There is a strong emphasis on experimentation and exploration through materials. Course modules are well structured, outcome driven, and encourage innovation. For me, the course promotes an in-depth understanding of design thinking and manufacturing processes that are applicable to so many areas of design and manufacturing industries. I have considerably broadened my knowledge of design and workshop processes and have now found employment in an area where my new skills are utilized and built upon. I would strongly recommend the course to anyone interested in exploring their creativity through a wide range of materials and processes.”