Tom Joyner

A Durango resident since 1997, Tom Joyner is a lifelong "maker" after discovering wooden building blocks and Legos at an early age. He has been involved in art since his freshman year at South Lakes High in Reston, VA. With a BA in Ceramics from Beloit College and an MA in Ceramics from NAU, Joyner was set to become a professional artist. Marriage, children and a need to support his family put a hold on the dream. Currently, Tom is the Welding teacher at Durango High School (6 years and counting). While helping students discover a valuable skill and possible career path, he finds the time to fabricate fun and creative projects. 

 

The rocking chair was built using a found car seat from a mid 80's something or other. The runners were designed with and cut out using a computer controlled plasma cutter. The parts were then welded together and integrated with the seat. In this work, I enjoy the juxtaposition of two seemingly different objects and materials coming together to make a functional whole.