AboutJoe
I develop pieces that speak to other craftspeople as well as laymen. While I do experiment with other materials, I am perpetually led back to wood because of its variety in species and technical possibilities as well as its challenges. Most of my work starts as a small sketch or idea, which I then refine into a loose design through small models and more sketching. Many of my recent pieces have incorporated bent laminations, which is a technique that opens up different narratives for my work. A large part of my process is researching and experimenting with new and obscure techniques while relying on time-honored traditions. I enjoy pushing boundaries in both design and construction while working toward my own unique aesthetic and vision.
Growing up in one of the few towns that still has a strong shop program I started my formal education in woodworking at a young age and by the time I graduated high school I had taken every shop class offered. I went on to the Vermont Woodworking School and after a year building a firm foundation I left for a new Certificate in Furniture Design program between Massachusetts College of Art & Design and The North Bennet Street School which I finished in the spring of 2017.
Joe Sheehan
28 Burns Avenue 508-818-0330
East Walpole, MA 02032 JJFSDesign@gmail.com
Education:
2017 Certificate in Furniture Design, Massachusetts College of Art & Design and North Bennet Street School, Boston, MA
2013-14 Furniture Design, Burlington College & the Vermont Woodworking School, Burlington, VT
2015 Advanced Techniques in Furniture Design Workshop, North Bennet Street School, Boston, MA
2015 Fundamentals of Machine Woodworking Workshop, North Bennet Street School, Boston, MA
2013 High school diploma, Walpole High School, Walpole MA
Professional Experience:
2013-Present Journeyman, Abbas Woodworking, Norwood, MA
2013-16 Journeyman, GB Woodworking, Norwood, MA
2013-16 Independent contractor, finish carpentry
Teaching Experience:
2016-Present Teaching Assistant, Massachusetts College of Art & Design, Boston, MA (Furniture Design, Fall/Spring)
2018 Teaching Assistant, Massachusetts College of Art & Design, Boston, MA (Continuing
Education, Furniture Design)
2012-13 Teaching Assistant, Walpole High School, Walpole, MA (Woodshop)
Exhibitions:
2016 “Furnished/City” Massachusetts College of Art & Design, Boston, MA
2016 “What’s New? Student Work Exhibition” Pop-Up Exhibition, Maker’s Guild, Boston Design Center, Boston, MA
2017 “Craft Boston Holiday” Hynes Convention Center, Boston MA
2018 “Not Your Granny’s Rocker” Massachusetts College of Art & Design, Boston, MA
2018 “Craft Boston Holiday” Hynes Convention Center, Boston MA
2018 “Respecting the Grain” Lexington Arts and Crafts society, Lexington, MA
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Proficiencies:
Skilled with all hand and power tools associated with machine woodworking, including carpentry, finish carpentry, furniture making, and architectural millwork. Experienced with residential and commercial installation of casework and architectural millwork. Proficient in reading and developing technical drawings by hand or with computer aided software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, SketchUp).
Personal, professional, and educational references available upon request.