About

Patrick M. Conboy

Owner, Artisan

My story, so far…

I started working with my hands, for a stone mason, during those awkward teenage years and eventually found my way to woodworking. So that makes it 20+ years I’ve been building stuff out of wood. I’ve always made things for myself, family, and friends. My wife is actually the one who recommended I start Blackthorn, to share my creations with the world. And my wife is much smarter than me, so I listened!

I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts (with a concentration in woodworking/furniture design) and a Master of Interior Architecture. I served honorably as an artilleryman in the 82nd Airborne Division, US Army. I’ve moved around a bit but have always called southeast PA home.

Design is not created in a vacuum. My three biggest influences are George Nakashima (also of southeast PA), Sam Maloof, and Wharton Esherick (again, southeast PA). I do not mimic their styles, but I draw inspiration from them, and create something of my own. I tend to look at things in a different way and blend form and function into an aesthetically pleasing whole. I take the expected and push it, twist it, just far enough for it to be a little unexpected, but still recognizable. My philosophy is that furniture should be art. It should be art that is functional and beautiful, and it should be durable enough to be passed down through the generations. I strive to make every piece fulfill these basic requirements. I also believe that I am always a student. Yes, I have many years of experience behind me, but I’d be a fool to stand on a pedestal and say I’ve learned everything. I am constantly attempting to expand my knowledge and wisdom to better my craft. Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope that we can work together to bring your dream project to life!

Additional fun facts:

I live with my wife and two daughters, and our fur children.

I’ve also been known to make jewelry from time to time (my wife loves this).

I try to find an amazing hiking spot on almost every vacation I take.

I brew beer and mead.

I have coached track and field at the high school and collegiate level.

I have trained in several martial arts and achieved instructor levels in savate and krav maga.

I have a killer beard!