Meet the Artist: Craig McDonald- Metal Sculptor

Written by Adornments on February 17th, 2010

Summary:

Interview with metal sculptor Craig McDonald

: Adornments’ Artist Craig McDonald: Metal Sculptor

Craig McDonald, pictured above with some of his work, joined the Adornments team in 2009 adding the much-needed element of modern sculpture to the gallery. His work ranges from purely sculptural to furniture and display items, each with crisp, clean lines and an edgy, modern feel. Appropriate for home or work settings, McDonalds’ works are sure to add intrigue and class to any room!

Please tell us a little about yourself:

“I am a native of Nashville, am married, and have 3 energetic young boys. I currently reside in Franklin, and produce artwork at my house. I also build energy efficient homes and perform remodeling jobs around town.”

Adornments' Artist Craig McDonald: Metal Sculptor in the Gallery What motivates you to create? "I enjoy the process of idea, to design, then fabrication for a finished, three-dimensional object. It is a challenge, and often fun experiment to make art from various materials brought together in a certain arrangement that is appealing to the eye. I feel a need to produce something tangible, interesting, and unique in hopes other people will find enjoyment in them. I also always have music playing when I create, which makes it more enjoyable for me, and the type of music is often a big motivator of the artwork's style." Adornments' Artist Craig McDonald: Metal Sculptor with sculpture

What is it about sculpture that draws you as opposed to the other art forms? “I grew up drawing and painting, but never felt too strong in those areas, and I wanted try other art forms. Sculpture obviously ventures into 3 dimensional works which have a 360 degree viewing opportunity, and can be quite challenging to convert a 2-D drawing into a 3-D reality. I still use drawing, and some painting in my pieces, so I guess I have found a way to incorporate several mediums into one.”

Why steel?

“Steel seems like an impossible medium. Cold, hard, stiff, heavy, often dull, and generally lifeless. I like the obstacle of taking steel pieces and transforming them into works of beautiful artwork and furniture. I have used many other materials and mediums, and prefer the workability of steel over most other mediums. You can give a lot of depth and character to it through different surface alterations, layering, paints, and pairing with other materials is fun. Steel also lets me use lots of power tools and welding equipment which I find challenging.”

What makes your work unique in your eyes? What defines your work?

Adornments' Artist Craig McDonald: Metal Sculptor

“I tend to gravitate towards making sculptures that are more modern, curvy, and edgy, and like to create pieces that really grab a person’s attention and curiosity. I like the bright shiny surfaces, and am eager to do more pieces with color. I also like to create functional art, such as wine holders and tables, so they can be enjoyed on an interactive level as well.”

How did you learn your craft?

”Drawing led to designing things that I would create at home when I was a child. I started using tools and wood at a young age, and it just progressed as I got older to more advanced techniques and tools. I always wanted to learn how to weld, as this process was always so intriguing to me, with metal turning to a liquid state, and sparks flying everywhere. I took a small class on welding, and made a dozen art pieces in a short amount of time with outdated machinery. Afterwards, I bought my own, new, welding equipm

ent and went to work experimenting with different ideas I had using various power tools in the process for different reasons. So experimenting is always big for me, and being challenged to do some kind of crazy design also helps. I have always been good with my hands and can visualize what I want pretty well, and have been fortunate to be able to create many different pieces that audiences seem to enjoy.”

Did you always want to be an artist?

“I have always loved to create things, and loved to draw at an early age too. I guess looking back, I did always want to be an artist in some way or another. I still wish I would have gotten a degree in art and architecture, or automotive engineering, to continuing creating on a larger scale. In the end, I just don’t feel right unless I am making something with my hands that I can see, or touch.”

Adornments' Artist Craig McDonald: Metal Sculptor with one of his sculptures

What’s your favorite thing to make?

“I like the works that don’t seem realistic (like Curule Couch), or look dangerous, modern, shiny, and edgy. I also like making art that includes elements like wood or stone, or are useful as well as unique, such as the wine holders. I am excited to start incorporating automotive paints into my pieces in the near future for that added pop of deep color with a durable finish.”

Aside from sculpture, what are your interests?

“I enjoy spending time with my wife and 3 boys, watching movies, and doing things outdoors like hiking, camping, and canoeing. I love to ride, customize, and rebuild motorcycles, like building energy efficient homes, doing remodeling projects and repairing/restoring things, and like to listen to music (and try to create some music on occasion). Sometimes I will also experiment with oil paints, and photography.”

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

“I hope to have a nice workshop with several acres so I have room to create and display larger pieces of art on site, and perhaps have studio tours every year where the public can come view, and maybe purchase works of art. I hope to also be building and designing more energy efficient homes with some artistic flair throughout, and continuing to learn and perfect new ideas for my artwork.”

Where can people find your work?

“Some pieces are owned by Darfon’s Restaurant and viewable there on site at Elm

Hill Pike by Donelson Pike. Several pieces remain at my house, but all will be viewable at my website under construction, which is to be announced. Of course, Adornments at the Factory is the best place to see many examples in person, and can be purchased on site, or also viewed at their website, www.adornmentsatthefactory.com. In the future, I will have some public art displayed or installed somewhere around Nashville, so keep your eye out!”

Come to Adornments at the Factory and check out the original works of out resident Master of Metals: Craig McDonald!