Artist Self-Interview:

About the Artist:

Damon received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sculpture from Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York and his Master of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

MacNaught is currently Assistant Professor of Glass at the Appalachian Center for Craft in Smithville, Tennessee.  He has been teaching in higher education and practicing hot glass production since establishing his studio, Bareglass, in 1997.  

Describe your craft.

I have a love of materials and process.  My focus is glass, however I enjoy working with any material needed to express the idea at hand.

What drives you to make your art?

A love of design, working with my hands, and never ending problem solving drive me to make art.

Who or what are your greatest influences?

I find the art historical cannon of work influences my art, reflecting on what has come before helps craft contemporary designs.  Specifically in paperweights I am influenced by the English company Whitefriars.  Their clean designs and simple cutting of the glass inspires.

How does living in Tennessee influence and inspire your art?

Flowers influence my glass designs, in my millefiori, a quick look outdoors at the stunning natural beauty of Tennessee provides ample inspiration for design work.

Beyond your art/craft, what are your other interests?

Beyond art/craft endeavors, I'm interested in Auto Restoration and running an Apiary on my farm in Silver Point.

Anything else you want to share?

I am a professor of Glass at the Appalachian Center for Craft.  Wonderful local resource many of us on the studio tour have ties with..