When art moves, it has the power to shift our internal state. No one understands this better than Pat Flanagan, the brilliant mind crowned as the winner of this year’s Australia’s Next Top Designers (ANTD) competition. Armed with a background as a fitter and turner and an innate eye for kinetic elegance, Pat captivated the judges at Design Show Australia with his mesmerising piece, “Spun Through My Mind.”
Bridging the gap between grand-scale sculpture and intimate interior design, his winning work brings a profound sense of tranquility into everyday spaces. We sat down with the rising design star to chat about the inspiration behind his kinetic masterpieces, the meticulous engineering of his materials, and the massive “big tree project” he is tackling next.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors and Partners: This incredible journey wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of Workshopped, Meir Australia, Darren Palmer, Hans Galutera and Flexmirror Australia, as well as Axolotl for supplying the stunning winner’s trophy.
How did you come up with the initial idea for your winning piece?
The initial idea is inspired by my earlier sculpture “Orb”. After taking it to music festivals and exhibitions, seeing people interact with it, most people seemed to have the same reaction. If I had to put that reaction in words, I’d say it provided them with a sense of calm. I wanted to bring that calmness into people’s living rooms, hallways and offices. The movement from “Spun Through My Mind” does that.
What materials did you use for your design, and why did you choose them?
The large one is aluminium, mainly 10mm rod. I created the large one first, and used aluminium because it’s easy to bend, it absorbs light rather than reflects it, and it’s easily machined for the bearing and shaft assembly.
For the small one, I wanted to make it half the size of the large; however, it’s not possible to get 5mm rod in a weldable aluminium, so I made most of it out of stainless. The bearing assembly is still aluminium, although it’s nearly impossible to see. The final detail of the small lamp is a brass bush that allows the dimmer knob to turn freely.
Are there any other projects or designs you are currently working on that you are excited about?
YES! It’s known amongst my friends as the big tree project, and it’s great to have the prize money to put towards it. Essentially it involves a few kilometres of steel rod and a big fire. It will be starting soon, so feel free to follow me to keep up to date with it.
How has winning Australia’s Next Top Designer impacted you personally and professionally?
When you’re putting everything you’ve got into your practice day after day for years, which is obviously extremely enjoyable, it still gets very easy to think, “What the hell am I doing? Is any of this actually going to lead to my dream of creating beautiful objects for people every day?” Winning Australia’s Next Top Designer really gives me the confidence to stick on this path.
Who has been your biggest influence or mentor in your design journey?
Without a doubt, Reuben Margolin is my biggest influence, in particular his video “On Kinetic Art.” I remember watching it for the first time before going to work as a fitter and turner, and thinking, “Hmmm, I really know what I’d rather be doing.” As for a mentor, that position has always been open and I think I’d really benefit from having it filled, if you know anyone?
What insights did you gain from showcasing your designs at Design Show Australia, and would you recommend participating in the ANTD competition?
Meeting people like Darren Palmer and Hans Galutera, having them like my work and answering their questions, was extremely validating and gives me the self-assurance to keep creating. Also, meeting all the other designers and expanding my community in the design world is really valuable.
With a validated vision, a burgeoning community of design peers, and the backing of industry icons like Darren Palmer and Hans Galutera, Pat is undeniably a force to watch in the Australian design landscape. His journey from admiring kinetic art before a day shift to commanding the showroom floor at Design Show Australia is a testament to the power of persistence, and the magic that happens when engineering meets emotion.
We can’t wait to see how his next ambitious project unfolds. To follow his journey, watch his upcoming steel-and-fire masterclass come to life, or keep up with his latest creations, you can follow him on Instagram at @patflanagan.design or visit his website at https://patflanagan.design/.
Are you an emerging designer ready to take the next step? Applications for the next Australia’s Next Top Designer competition will open next year. Don’t hesitate to put your work out there, it might just change your career path forever.
