Through his work, Charlie Whinney explores the relationships between materials, people and the environment. Projects blur boundaries between fine art, architecture and design. Charlie works contextually, ecologically, and is a big fan of beauty and innovation. He works from his studio in the south of Cumbria, often with the assistance of other professional wood workers as well as interns and students.
Charlie works largely in wood, and frequently uses the process of steam-bending. His practice is rooted in a concern for working sensitively with the natural environment, and he runs courses to provide opportunities for people not only to experience the challenges and joys of making, but also to deepen their own sense of connection with wood, trees, and the wider environment.
The scale can of Charlie’s work can range from a single handmade pencil to enormous architectural installations for public buildings around the world – and conceptually from strange books to straight forward industrial design.
He has done commissions in China, Japan, Singapore, France, UK, Ireland and USA and also provided creative consultation (ideas and design) to public and private clients.
Charlie Whinney studied Architecture at Kingston University, Furniture Design at Rycotewood, and 3D Design for Sustainability at Falmouth College of Arts. He worked as an artistic blacksmith for brother Jos Whinney (1998-1999), and helped at Inflate Design (2002-2005). In 2006 he co-founded Cornish design company sixixis, designing many award-winning products including the CurlyShade and the GallopyGallopy Bed. In 2008 Charlie Whinney Associates was formed near Oxford; in 2010 the studio moved to a beautiful stone barn in Lake District National Park.
Websites:
www.charliewhinney.com
www.learnsteambending.com
Instagram: @charliewhinneystudio
