Gerry Murray

NAME: Gerry Murray FROM: Galway

PROFESSION: Furniture Maker & Multidisciplinary Artist BUSINESS/COMPANY/PRACTICE NAME: Bird Design Studio

ABOUT ME

I am a trained furniture maker, a graduate of GMIT Letterfrack, a designated centre for making excellence. During my time at Letterfrack I developed an appreciation and the required skill set to produce furniture using traditional joinery and furniture making techniques. I enjoy using timber, because even after being cut down timber remains a natural material that is very much alive. That being said, I like exploring the expanded range of new materials that are available and coupling this with traditional and new fabrication methods. By working in an unconventional way, the hope is to undo the status quo and produce work that is fresh.

I believe that artefacts that I produce should reflect the era in which they were conceived, and because of this I make extensive use of 3D modelling and printing. I am excited to be part of the iAtelier program because although digital and traditional methods may appear strange bedfellows, I believe that the digital handmade opens all types of possibilities and opportunities for craftspeople and makers. To be successful, craft must be willing to shed its twee image and become relevant to discerning 21st century consumers.

Like many in our profession I have environmental concerns, and I am very much of the belief that there should be less reliance on super manufacturing hubs, and more emphasis on local manufactur- ing. Product longevity and giving credence to generational rather than disposable products will be the key to our success.

I am currently completing a Masters in Creative Practice at CCAM (center for creative arts & Media) GMIT.

MY SKILLS

Furniture Maker,

woodworking, including traditional joinery, upholstery, and spraying.

Digital Skills – Proficient or familiar with

Inventor, Fusion 360 (CAD & CAM), Revit, Cura, Photoshop, Indesign, Solidworks