Formations & Layering, Enignum Table, Burr Olive Ash, White Ash, White Oil finish, 2009
Every so often you come across work that is so unique it refuses to be categorised – and this is certainly true of Joseph Walsh’s work. His beautiful wooden furniture is sensuous, organic and intriguing and it’s individuality captivating.
We spotted the work of this talented self taught designer and craftsman at both Origin and the Berkeley Square’s Pavilion of Art and Design (PAD) in London this autumn. Walsh specialises in bold, sculptural bespoke pieces of furniture featuring meticulous detailing which he imbues with an almost poetic quality. He works sympathetically and sensitively with wood, and his processes are often complex and time consuming – layering thin layers of wood together before sculpting and moulding his lyrical forms. His ‘Formations’ table, shown (and sold) at PAD was a huge, impressive piece made from bent and curved burr olive ash. In his own words his work deals with “issues of space, light, technology and ecology”.
Formations & Layering, Enignum Table, Burr Olive Ash, White Ash, White Oil finish, 2009 & Enignum Chair, Ash & Suede, White Oil finish, 2009
30 year old Walsh founded his studio in rural Cork, Ireland in 1999, and has had considerable success in his home country and the USA, (He had a solo exhibition in New York last year). His work has been bought by The National Museum of Ireland, the Embassy of Japan in Dublin, and has been snapped up by local five star hotels such as The Park Hotel, Kenmare, County Kerry and Inchydoney Lodge and Spa hotel in Cork. He also sells many pieces for use in churches as well as for private homes and collections.
Formations & Layering, Equinox 1 Wall Installation, Ash, Copper Leaf and Silk, White Oil finish, 2009
His work truly straddles art and design – his meticulous craftsmanship is a joy to see and the wonderful smooth curves of his impressive pieces have a tactile quality that is irresistible. Walsh works between making limited edition selected works, ‘one-of a kind’ bespoke commissions as well as working on Design/Art installations.
Recognition for his work is growing steadily: in September 2008, the Sunday Times said, “Walsh is just one of a handful of Irish designers whose work belongs in the international world of functional sculpture.” This year, he has featured in both Wallpaper* magazine and the Wall Street Journal’s online round up of the UK’s recent art shows. His beautiful pieces are understandably expensive and beyond the reach of many, but his purity of approach and uncompromising dedication to craftsmanship and quality is truly inspirational.
Further information from frances@josephwalshbespoke.com
Joseph Walsh
