ABOUT
Martin Ryan - Award Winning Segmented Woodturner
Background:
Having completed a woodturning course some years ago, I developed over time my own designs, skills and techniques. I now specialise in segmented woodturning for which I have won awards from the Irish Woodturners' Guild. I am a registered member of the Design and Craft Council Ireland. My work in this field has been exhibited in both Thurles and Templemore, Co. Tipperary.
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Awards:
DCCI Future Makers Award 2024
Irish Woodturners Guild First Place Award 2019
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Commissions:
I have supplied pieces to the Portuguese-Irish Golf Society for their tournament as well as to other golf clubs. One of my pieces was recently purchased by Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg, a prestigious venue. Woodart, created by me, has also been purchased by private art collectors both in Ireland, France and the USA.
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The Process:
Segmented woodturning is the process of joining different coloured woods at various angles and sizes to form a variety of patterns and designs on the finished product. The amount of segments in any one piece can vary from 100 to over 1000 depending on the size and design. From design to completion some pieces may take several months. They are then buffed to a very high lustre and polished to a fine sheen. I never varnish or lacquer my work. Any product I complete can be rebuffed or repolished at any time. I mostly use Irish hardwoods. If a piece needs variety and colour I use African and South American hardwoods. This often includes the use of African blackwood and South American purple heart. All designs can be seen from both the inside and outside of the piece.
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All pieces are once-off and unique. My inspiration comes from Greek, Native American and Arabic cultures. Over the past few years I have also been heavily influenced by Irish heritage, for example the Rock of Cashel, The Giants Causeway and Holycross Abbey. Mostly I work from the design in 'my mind's eye'. Sometimes I draw a rough sketch to assess the height, width and proportion of a piece in order to achieve proper balance and flow.
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All my pieces are designed and handcrafted in my workshop in Clonboo, a rural locality in County Tipperary between the villages of Clonmore and Templetuohy, known for its quiet countryside ambiance and close-knit community.
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I take great pride and satisfaction in the design, execution and finish of my segmented woodwork. I get great fulfilment when the completed product is to the standard I set out to achieve.
Michael Lowry TD officially declared Martin Ryan’s Clonboo Woodart exhibition open on the 31st March 2022. He is seen here being presented with a bowl by Martin and his wife Helen.
Another Successful Exhibition of Clonboo Woodart
The official opening by Michael Lowry TD of Clonboo Woodart exhibition took place in Templemore Library on Thursday 31st March 2022. Many items of Martin Ryan’s artistic segmented woodart were on display and the exhibition was due to run for a month. It was hosted by Denis Kenny and the library staff. Many friends, neighbours, mentors and workmates who had encouraged Martin in progressing with this very specialised type of woodturning were present. Martin welcomed the large number of guests. He thanked all who encouraged him with his art and who supported him with the setting up, organising and arranging of the exhibition. Willie Creighton, President of the Irish Woodturners Guild, had travelled from Mayo. He spoke of the very high quality of Martin’s work and craftsmanship and that he was delighted to be present at the launch of such a fine exhibition. Tom Gallagher spoke on behalf of Marian McDonald who was unable to be present on the night. She emailed Tom her testimony. Marian is a mentor with the creative and crafts section of Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCI). She supports artists and craftspeople in ‘bringing their enterprises from ideas to viable businesses’. Marian congratulated Martin ‘in his approach to every aspect of his business which is a testament to his high standards.’ Mary Whelan from DCCI visited the exhibition and spoke of the very high standard of the event as well as the items on display. Michael Lowry TD, in an impressive speech, praised Martin for his imagination, dedication, patience and exceptional skill and his true love of his craft. He concluded by saying, ‘Martin has long been known as a man who is brimming with creative passion. He is a perfectionist - one look at his work is evidence of this. I thank him for sharing his special gift with us this evening and I encourage people to take the time to come along and view Martin’s distinctive craftsmanship over the coming weeks. It is my privilege to declare the wonderful exhibition officially open.’ Denis then invited the guests to view the woodart and enjoy the refreshments provided.
The exhibition was a marvellous success with a noticeable increase in people visiting the library to view the unique art on display. This led to the exhibition being extended for an extra month.
