Sean O’Donnell
I’ve always been a tinkerer. My generation of boys grew up building tree forts, customizing our bicycles and demonstrating a complete disregard for the assembly instructions needlessly included in our model car kits.
My creative process is more about the tunnel than the light at the end of it. Being totally engaged in making art pulls me into my studio each day because that’s where the magic in my life happens.
Musical instruments fascinate me. Toss me anything that makes music and I’ll take it apart to see how its made and if I can use any of it in one of my sculptures.
The finished look of my art is just as important as learning about the history of its parts: Who owned them, when they were manufactured and what materials they’re made of.
It matters to me if a violin bow was made in 1880 or in 1965. I want the ultimate buyer of my art to appreciate every bit of history I can dig up. This background adds to the allure of the assembled parts and to the mystique of the finished piece.
Growing up during the 1950’s and 60’s in Washington DC - working in my Dad’s bookstore and my Mom’s antique shop - enriched my love of the written word and shaped my appreciation of handcrafted vintage objects.
Like a Noir novel, my sculptures remain a mystery to me until they’re done. Then like a good book, I pass them along to others to take home and enjoy.
