Watch: The trailer for a film about Irish designer Joseph Walsh gives a glimpse into his process
The designer is known for his almost impossible manipulation of materials, and a new film documents the everyday workings of his studio and workshop alongside his team of expert craftspeople.
Looking at Joseph Walsh’s otherworldly creations, the first thought that often comes to mind is, “How on earth was that made?” The Irish designer and maker’s pieces can be monumental in scale, but always possess a delicacy, a defiance of gravity that seems impossible.
From ‘Magnus Modus’, his seven-metre high piece that sits in the National Gallery, to more mundane household items of furniture endowed with fantastical forms, his designs consistently make wood and other materials to do things we think they cannot.
Craftspeople from all over the world, from countries including Taiwan, Portugal, Japan, and many more, have come to his studio to work, and to push their craft in new and exciting directions.
A new short film, Joseph Walsh (Full Circle) by photographer and filmmaker Norman Wilcox-Geissen promises to give us some insight into Joseph’s work, and how, along with his team of craftspeople from all over the world, he brings it into being.
Captured in 2020, the film documents the day to day workings of his studio and workshop in Riverstick, Co Cork. It also includes conversations with Joseph Walsh, and gives an insight into new work. The project also has an accompanying limited edition book that is now available to order.
In the teasers, we hear snippets of Joseph discussing his work, and its development, as well as showing several people manoeuvring a large piece in the workshop.
There are two teasers for the film, which will be launched on April 15.