STEPHEN O'BRIAIN
FURNITURE MAKER
With a background in fine art painting, O’Briain first became interested in the possibilities of working in wood in 1992 after reading the inspirational books of Russian cabinetmaker James Krenov.
Although O’Briain’s work has evolved stylistically from those early years, the influence lives on in his love of working with hand-tools and his search for simple but elegant design solutions. Working almost exclusively in solid timber, both native and imported, O’Briain’s work over the last few years has taken on an increasingly organic quality.
In the design of a piece of furniture, his instinct is to find a balance between the function of that piece and its sculptural form, where every line, shape and aspect is considered with the aim of creating a singular statement, always working with sensitivity for his medium and its inherent qualities. His new series of work explores the use of segmented forms and repeated patterns. There is a tradition of cabinet making going back three generations in
O’Briain’s family. Building on this foundation, he has been able to develop new skills and incorporate new techniques into his work. The constant learning process and discovery of new design possibilities is what keeps him stimulated. O’Briain has exhibited extensively both here and abroad, working predominantly to commission with clients in Ireland, the UK and USA. In 2010 his limited edition Walnut Bone Chair won First Prize for furniture at the Royal Dublin Society National Crafts Competition and the Crafts Council of Ireland Purchase Award.
Tomduff
Borris
Co. Carlow
+353 (0) 59 977 1820
+353 (0) 87 270 7674
info@obriainfurniture.com
www.obriainfurniture.com
and through exhibitions nationally
and internationally.
Image 2: Serpentine. Wall mounted cabinet in Sycamore and brown Oak. Detail.