Makers in Action: Meet Working Member Sean Barrow of Barrow Built
July 19, 2011
We love Sean. Not only does he split his time between the wood and metal shop, he’s also the savvy instructor of our new Intro to METAL class. You may have noticed him advising new members on shop safety as a Working Member or holding down the fort at one of our events. Get to know more about this maker extraordinaire!
Name: Sean Barrow
Occupation: Fabricator (of all types) at Barrow Built, Working Member at ADX
ADX: What are your specialties?
Design and fabrication of all human-use objects. Well, and for dogs too! I’ve made stuff for animals like memory foam dog beds, and ergonomic pet food dispensers.
How long have you’ve been a designer? How did you get started?
I’ve been making for my whole life. I grew up on a farm and had to fabricate things. I started with Legos and grew from there!
What led you to ADX and why are you involved as a Working Member?
I’m all about meeting and collaborating with people — its integral to my own design process. Having access to not only tools but other people is really important!
What significance does collaboration have in your creative process?
It makes my process much more enjoyable when I can talk with people about it. It brings up things that doesn’t come up when just looking at a project myself.
What are your methods in creating your work? Do you have a specific design process?
I start out with an idea and mull over it for a long time, mentally. Then I make a pencil sketch and build a digital 3D model. I deal with specifics and proportion then, build a prototype, and get to work on the real thing.
Do you have any specific projects in the works?
I have a concrete steel and wood propane fire pit I’m planning, a redesign/customization project for a motorcycle, and am working on a treadmill desk. All different but very cool!
To learn more about Sean’s background and fabrication skills for hire, check out his website or sign up for Intro to METAL, taking place at ADX on July 27 and August 7!