Timothy Gwyn John

I am a practitioner with a background in the contemporary fine arts combined with traditional training in cabinet making. I work with wood, clay, glass and any material that lends itself to the dialogue within my work. A common theme linking these practices is the application and exploration of skill in a Post Fordism and Knowledge economy.

Q&A

What craft do you work with? 

I work within a variety of crafts, what links the materials and their relevant processes in my practice is an interest in how we give time to developing skills and techniques and forming an understanding of the material.  If I had to state a craft then it would be woodworking as this is where I am most experienced and an area I am formally trained in. But I also work with ceramics and glass and take pleasure in the challenge when developing the skills required to work with a new material.

What inspires you to work with this craft? 

I’m fascinated with the application of skill and its use in the action of labour.  Wood has a long history and its a material with so many applications. It can convey status or it can be used for the simplest of everyday objects.  It also reacts to the environment as solid wood can never be truly stable and thus the craftsperson has the challenge of working with a material that will always be in flux when its environment changes.

How do you start your creative process?

My work is driven by concepts. But this is not to say materials cannot form or lead to the development of a concept. Recently the value of materials has been a key element of my work in developing a series of glass vessels which are based on disposable takeaway containers.

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

My workspace has everything I need, from 18th century woodworking tools I have inherited to a 3D resin printer.  The only tool which probably crosses all my practices would be a measuring tool, perhaps a ruler or a vernier calliper. The vernier calliper allows me to measure down to 1/10 of a millimetre although I try to work within an accuracy of a 1/20 of a millimetre.

Are there new techniques you would like to try?

I always enjoy learning about new techniques and practices in disciplines outside my own and right now metal casting interests me. But within my own practice I’m interested in an 18th century technique of inlay using brass, often known as Première partie.

What have you learnt or the best advice you have received that you would like to share with fellow crafters?

I’ve had the good fortune of learning from so many great practitioners, perhaps the most valuable lesson has been patients, developing skill takes time and the making of work is not something that often occurs quickly. Right now I have plans to collaborate for the creation of furniture. I enjoy collaborating and the opportunity to work with other practitioners in other disciplines.

 

Media & Contact

Representation

Freelancing

 

Contact

Email: timothy.g.john@gmail.com

 

References

Website: www.timothygwynjohn.com

Instagram: timothygwynjohn

Other: https://www.makersguildinwales.org.uk/timothy-gwyn-john.html

 

Photography credit

Timothy Gwyn John

Location

Wales, United Kingdom