Taidgh O’Neill uses wood as his primary material and inspiration. He crafts poetic shapes from hard materials, not only using the grain and feel of the wood to guide him, but rather following his passion for form; illustrated and handed down by generations before us. The Modernism and Arts and Crafts movements are not only global, of course, but have such a presence in Los Angeles - where Taidgh calls home - that it is almost undeniable. From the iconic Greene and Greene house to the Schindlers and Neutras (and more) that dot the landscape here, working with wood and its relation to form feels more like a calling than a choice.
How he looks at that calling, however, is a different matter. Noting the relationship between modern form, and the more traditional wood-joining techniques, he prefers an amalgamation. The stark representation of shapes by his favorite artists and designers such as Tadao Ando and Stephen Shore coupled with his admiration of the material and its traditions create works that are singular, and often colorful.
He cites living in a traditional Craftsman style house in Northeast Los Angeles, and then moving to a Post and Beam home, and creating furniture and finishings for both, as part of the catalyst for the juxtaposition:
“Even in the most spectacular instances like the Greene and Greene homes, moldings are more subtle in decoration. Square or slightly eased edges replace shaped woodwork. It’s celebrates what the hand tools can do more than the large industrial machines. When my wife and I bought our craftsman home, I designed furniture with that ethos in mind. Well-considered lines, hard edges and exposed joinery were apparent. The modernist movement for me is all about showcasing engineering and pushing the limits of what specific materials can do. I think of dramatic cantilevered architecture achievable with steel. There’s also a further pairing down of ornament and hand work. No more exposed joinery. Less theatrics in composition.”
Taidgh also relishes the opportunities he has had to rehabilitate the interior wood adornments of classic homes - from farmhouses to Schindler homes - allowing him to share his passion for the material, and interpret works of masterful design.
Taigh O’Neill pieces have been commissioned by Classicon (DE), Collection Particuliere (FR), and more. His work has been shown internationally, his most recent being ‘Aura for Benjamin’ at Boundary in Los Angeles.
To request more information about the Collection or discuss a custom project, please contact Taidgh.