Selecting Wood
All of the wood that is used to produce the Cnamh Si pieces is found in the vicinity of Ireland’s beautiful Mountains, Forests and Rivers. The wood itself is usually discovered while I’m out walking our dog, and while he hasn’t developed a talent for wood hunting he certainly helps.
When I discover a new piece of wood, I often stand it upright, or lean it against the nearest tree to get a broader perspective on its shape, it’s bark and its grain.
Not all wood is suitable for developing into a Cnamh Si piece, but it often feels like the wood selects itself. As you can see from the pieces that we have already crafted, nature presents the most extraordinary shapes and structures. I look to harmonise the pieces with natures own evolution.
Finding the Wood’s Personality
Cnamh Si pieces are crafted to bring forth the natural beauty of the wood. The challenge is to create a piece while intruding on the wood to least possible extent. The influence of natures own processes, including rain, wind or occasionally lightning and fire produce intricate yet elegant shapes. I want to be respectful of the efforts that nature has already taken with the wood.
In many ways Cnamh Si pieces expose the personality of the wood in a unique way, yet leaving as much of the material of the wood in place to be enjoyed. This requires many hours of hand crafting the wood. Each piece is the result of the months and years that nature has invested coupled with the hours of careful crafting.
Marrying Wood with Mechanics
Some of the Cnamh Si pieces are destined to marry art with practicality in the form of lighting that makes a statement.
When adapting a piece to become a light, I want the light to embody the same attention to detail that was invested in the individual piece.
Each light uses the highest quality mechanics that are sympathetic to the individual piece. I want the resulting combination of wood, copper and electricity to bring the experience of the piece to an entirely new level.
Shipping to Market
Where can people find these pieces?
Cnamh Sí Crafts 