The Stag Call and the Tree of Life Sculpture

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.