Tighe James ..... Tapwater Designs

Email: TapwaterDesigns@yahoo.com
Web:  http://www.TapwaterDesigns.com

Tighe James, a recent graduate of Appalachian State University’s furniture design program, is pulling the heels up as the youngest Gallery member.  As a craftsman, his goal is in maximizing the utility of each type of wood according to its unique strengths and characteristics.  As a designer, his art lies in attempting to uncover the synergy between these diverse species. 

Tighe's furniture has won national and local design awards, but he feels that his smaller ‘location furniture’ incorporates the same functional beauty in satisfying the objective of simplifying our everyday environment.  The Hands Gallery currently includes Tighe’s very dense hardwood chopping blocks, hardwood keyledges, hall cabinets, sliding-lid dovetailed boxes, diploma and picture frames, and mirrors.  Custom orders are welcomed and encouraged. 

“I feel that in consuming such a treasured and beautiful resource, sustainable harvesting methods must be reached.  As we do our part to make sure that hardwood habitats are safe for the future, we as craftsman also have the dual obligation to make sure that our works’ life is as integral as that which it replaces.  We can help ensure this through the creation of enduring design and steadfast joinery.” 

Tighe’s furniture inspirations include that of Marcel Breuer, Mies van der Rohe, Alvar Aalto, Sam Maloof, George Nakashima, the Eames, and Japanese and Danish modern styles.  After building an elaborate fully functional treehouse, he would like to someday build a yacht with which to travel the world.  

Tighe's website is http://www.TapwaterDesigns.com.