Damon McNaught
Bio
Damon Macnaught is a talented glass artist and educator whose dedication to his craft has made him a distinguished figure in the art community. As the proprietor of BareGlass, Damon lives and works in Silver Point, Tennessee, where he creates one-of-a-kind, handcrafted glass pieces that captivate and inspire. He 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.
With over two decades of experience in hot glass production, Damon has honed his skills to perfection. His current artistic focus is Millefiori, an intricate technique that involves arranging tiny glass pieces, or murrini, under the magnification of a glass dome. Damon finds the technical challenges of this process to be exceptionally rewarding, as it allows him to explore the inherent properties of glass while indulging his passion for design.
Damon’s work is a testament to his relentless pursuit of perfection, with each piece reflecting his meticulous attention to detail and his deep understanding of the medium. His creations are not just visually stunning; they also showcase the incredible possibilities that glass as a material can offer.
In addition to his work as a glass artist, Damon is also a dedicated educator. He currently teaches at Tennessee Tech Appalachian Center for Craft, where he shares his extensive knowledge and experience with the next generation of artists. Damon’s academic background is as impressive as his artistic achievements, having earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor’s Degree from Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York.
Vsitors to the Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour will have the unique opportunity to experience Damon MacNaught’s exceptional glass art up close. Whether you are drawn to the intricate beauty of his Millefiori pieces or fascinated by the artistry of hot glass production, a visit to BareGlass is sure to leave you inspired.
Describe your art/craft (medium, process, etc).
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/craft?
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, Damon is interested in Auto Restoration and runs an Apiary on his 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.
