Today I am delighted to share an interview with my very own brother Matt! From a very young age Matt drew and made models, and I remember how he used to do the most amazing technical drawings of cars. More recently he has turned industrial welding into a fine art, creating bespoke furniture, sculptures, gates and house signs. He has also just started building bespoke treehouses – I want one! Today I talk to him about how he has combined his love of nature and passion for creating with the very practical industrial skill of welding.
1) I love the mixture of industrial sculpture and practicality of your work. Where did the idea for your benches come from?
My head is jumbled up with ideas for creating but I prefer the idea of a sculpture have a use rather than just an object to observe. I actually made my very first bench to use at home as quite simply, we needed one!
2) What materials do you use in them?
The framework is mild steel that usually is powdercoated matt black but the frames can actually be offered in a variety of finishes. I love the look of bare metal that has been left to cure in the elements for a few weeks and is then varnished to protect its rusted patina. The seats themselves are hardwood. I tend to opt for oak due to its attractive grain, natural strength and longevity. The wood can be treated in a variety of ways depending on exposure or aesthetic requirements.
3) How do you go about coming up with the design?
I tend to have a rough idea, either from my own imagination or through the commission spec – and it progresses from there. I may do a rough sketch before I begin but generally the work develops organically. This helps create unique pieces that are never replicated and this is a paramount feature of my sculptures.
4) What do you think about while you are making them?
That’s an interesting question! They are a passion of mine so obviously I enjoy it. I think about ensuring quality and detail, and if it is for a particular client specification I ensure that it is accurate and in keeping with their design. To be honest my mind often wanders so who knows what else might go through my head!
5) Where do you look for inspiration?
Nature is my main inspiration. I have an in-built love of trees, especially native English varieties such as oak. I also am passionate about horticulture and therefore I like to feature other forms of flora in my work.
6) What do you like about creating things from scratch?
Mainly the fact that it will be unique and that I am in total control of how the work will begin, develop and finish. I have a blank canvas for the design and materials I use.
7) What kind of things did you draw and make when you were younger?
I used to draw a lot of people and vehicles when I was small. I’m not sure why!? I also was a very keen model maker.
8 ) Did you carry on drawing/making through your teens or did you stop and come back to it? How did you get back into creating?
Funnily enough I have never really thought about it, but yes, apart from Graphic Design studies at school and college, I definitely did stop creating art for many years. I’m sure I always maintained the enthusiasm and wanted to create but possibly lacked the inspiration. My children have definitely been key in returning me to art. I absolutely love making things for or with them.
Matt has been so busy creating that he hasn’t yet set up a website, but if you want a lovely new piece of bespoke garden furniture just drop me a line!
