Michael Daniel

This month we are pleased to feature Michael Daniel in our series Art Apothecary.  Michael, who has been working as a metal artist for nearly two decades, designs and fabricates metal work for the trade, retail buyers and individuals. He works with architects and interior designers to create pieces that range from large-scale installations to decoration and furniture for residences and stores and other businesses.

EHD: You’ve been working as a metal artist since 1993. Can you provide some background on how you arrived at your craft? Were you an apprentice?

MD: I took a rather indirect route to metal sculpting and furniture design.   Several years ago when I was living in Chicago, I started taking found objects like metal shopping carts and old tractor seats, and transforming them into functional pieces. The tractor seat barstool, which I have refined and modified over the years, is one of my first designs from this period.

After creating these found object pieces, I knew I wanted to work with metal, but I didn’t have the background; I didn’t know how to weld.  In 1992 I moved to New York and took a metal sculpting class.  During that first class I knew that metal sculpting and design was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.  I spent the next few years teaching myself the craft and developing my own style and technique.  I began working full time as a metal designer and sculptor in 1996.

EHD: Why metal as opposed to wood, glass or other material?

MD: There aren’t a lot of people who use only metal in furniture making.  Although I use various materials that complement metal, such as glass and wood, I always try to use as much metal as possible.  Some people think metal is a cold and sterile material, but I find it to be quite the opposite.  Metal can be very warm and beautiful depending on how you treat or patina it.

EHD: Take us through the process. How do you go from concept to finished product? And how long does it take?

MD: I usually start with a sketch of an idea, which I then refine into a drawing. I take the drawing into my studio and start by going through my steel rack and looking at different shapes and sizes to figure out what I think would work best for the design. After I’ve selected the steel, then I start cutting, welding and shaping the metal into the look that I’m trying to achieve.  Length of process really depends on the complexity of the design.

EHD: What types of metal do you work with?

MD: Mainly steel because I do a lot of different patina finishes on metal. I also work with stainless, bronze, and aluminum.

EHD: What is the most interesting piece of furniture or sculpture you’ve been asked to fabricate and why?

MD: There are so many pieces over the years that I have designed and fabricated that I love.  One of my all time favorites is the Flip Clock that I designed, and for which I have a patent. One of my recent favorites is the Ceruse Dining Room Table.  As you walk around this table, the shape of the legs appears to change because of the design.

EHD: Tell us about your metal classes and why do you offer it?

MD:  I teach the basics of metal sculpting on steel. Students learn how to Arc weld, Mig weld, and use oxy-acetylene torches to heat, cut, bend and braze steel. I also teach students how to use power tools that are used in metal working, as well as some basic patina applications.I have a class starting January 24, 2012. I usually offer two sessions in the Fall, Winter and Spring.  I teach because I love what I do and want to share my enthusiasm with other people.

Michael Daniel works at his studio in Long Island City. See some of Michael’s work below:

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