Masters thesis work completed at the Rhode Island School of Design. More Information can be found at here and thesis book downloaded here.

Abstract-

This thesis is an investigation of material vernacular and a celebration of process and material. I am manipulating locally sourced materials to pull out unexpected qualities in order to distill a unique identity associated with a place and the things that give that place its character.

The resulting work focuses on distilling the Narragansett Bay through the lens of three categories. Reminiscence, Impression, Composition. These works fall into the categories of being reminiscent of a place, impressed upon by a place and composed of a place.

This thesis is not a conclusion of this area of inquiry, rather it seeks to develop a way forward to cultivate new work and a practicum based on these ideas.

Working with the Interiors team at Steelcase, we sought to develop a smart and dynamic work space for Steelcase’s Beijing office and showroom to best show their products in ways that might inspire clients and allow them to envision their own spaces in similar ways. Products from the Steelcase brands as well as custom features such as the central partition make this space one that is easy to work in as well as inspiring to those working in it.

These chairs and table are the functional results of my wool and wood explorations in relation to thesis work at the Oregon College of Art and Craft. Locally sourced post-industrial wool is utilized as binding in the chair and table, allowing them to be functional furniture pieces without the need for any sort of hardware.

Completed fall 2018

Concourse was an exercise in space design with the end result of a creative co-working space in mind. Utilizing unused office space in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, Concourse is able to provide freelance developers and artist a place to work while presenting themselves in a professional environment. Research of other co-working spaces and interviewing the target audience led to a strong layout and design decisions that could maximize the use of the space.

A library of the sand and stones that make up ten different beaches across Rhode Island. Presented in a way that allows others to utilize and interpret this resource themselves in whichever way they choose.

The ceramic tiles are a way that I have chosen to interpret the samples through microscopic imaging and processing of the images to create colors and patterns reflective of each location. These patterns allow me to manifest the identity of each beach into the individual tiles.

Completed fall of 2019

Inspired by the work of Atelier NL

More Recent investigations have revolved around forming glass from the different locations collected in this project. Through some trial and error, I have been able to create a few samples of glass but I have not yet been able to get the recipe right so that it is compatible with other glass used for glass blowing.

How does someone say chair in Portland? Is there a specific vernacular when it comes to the furniture produced in Portland? A chair in Portland would utilize reclaimed or recycled materials and be built by hand in a way that showcases the process in which it was created.

The chair I have made is constructed of floorboards reclaimed from a Portland home, and is accompanied by wool fabric salvaged from a local mill. This chair speaks to the location in which it was created. If someone were to try and recreate this chair in another part of the country it may look similar but it would have to be adapted to account for whatever materials may be available locally to the creator. Thus giving that chair its own vernacular for the place in which it were made. The resulting relationship between the chair and the location is more important than the aesthetic value of the chair.

The purpose of the deep and low shape and presence of wool fabric is to allow the user to build out their own nest in which they may sit and relax. Weather they choose to completely envelope the chair in wool or use no wool at all, the chair becomes the users ideal place to sit until someone else comes along and changes it to fit their preference.

Completed fall 2018

These bags are the result of iterative prototyping in soft goods. Material properties and user feedback help drive the changes between each bag. Recycled sails acquired from a local sailmaker are the main source of material used, making for a durable yet lightweight product.

All materials used would have gone to the landfill if they had not been used in these explorations.

Ongoing exploration started Spring of 2020

These explorations into a structural solution for locally sourced post-industrial wool scraps are the result of thesis work at the Oregon College of Art and Craft looking at how the use of locally sourced materials can generate a vernacular in an object through materiality and process.

Completed Fall 2018

This candle holder was designed and made at Domaine de Boisbuchet in France as part of a workshop run by Philippe Malouin. With 3 other designers we designed and produced this candle holder cast from a stone found on the same property using sand casting techniques and recycled aluminum.

Completed summer of 2018

The sailboard was an exercise in connecting users to nature through the wind. Despite most of the earth being covered with water, many people don’t have access to bodies of water as a source of recreation, let alone the opportunity to experience sailing and learn to work with nature.

This board was designed with a user in mind who may not have had much previous experience sailing or skateboarding while creating a safe opportunity for them to experience both. Size of the sail creates enough power in most wind conditions to allow the user to generate lift and propel the rider forward while not becoming overwhelming at the same time. the design of the board is meant to allow the user to utilize many different surfaces like parks, soccer fields, and parking lots and maintaining control. The construction, size, and number of parts makes for ease of assembly and easy to carry on someones back or in a car for more spontaneous use.

Testing showed a shallow and fun learning curve while staying safe and an exciting experience for the user, driving an increased interest in wind sports and the temptation to try more. This board can be imagined being used in groups to race, explore, or just enjoy a windy day.

Project Completed Spring 2020

This bag was designed with the intention of providing a more ergonomically positive way to carry things with one hand than a typical tote bag. The arm bag spreads the load of its contents across the arm instead of swinging inward towards the users legs.

Completed Spring 2018

This form study was an exploration into the concept of “super-normal” taking the very common form of a stemless wine glass and tweaking the form in ways that enhanced the form and usability while still remaining reminiscent of its origins. The oblong shape provides a comfortable yet tactile experience while holding the glass as well as allowing the liquid inside the glass to crash upon itself at when swirled.

Completed spring 2018

The One Board Chair was constructed from a single sheet of ply-wood measuring 30”x50” and constructed using hand tools with the exception of the templates used to find the shape and form of the chair. Rattan caning was used to cover the center of the seat and backrest.

Completed fall 2018