Michael Aram (American, b. 1963) Nature Inspired Metal Sculpture

Michael Aram is an American born artist who primarily works with metal. After studying fine art and living as an artist in New York in the late 1980’s, Aram took what would later be a life-altering trip to India where he discovered rich metal working traditions. Inspired to work with craftsmen whose skills he felt were greatly untapped, Aram turned his creative energies towards craft based design, setting up a home and workshop in New Delhi.

Aram’s work reflects humanity through the directness of the handmade process, as each piece is lovingly made using age-old traditional techniques. The artisan nature of the work imbues it with a soulful quality and an energy, which Aram feels is only possible with work that reflects the hand of the maker. This energy is further enhanced by the tension of line, form and meaning that is characteristic of Aram’s work. As extraordinary objects, they cause us to pause and consider them, and therefore create a sense of ritual and ceremony in their day-to-day use.

The objects of art range from tableware; such as bowls and serving pieces to furniture and limited edition sculptures embody the mix of varied metals including 24K gold leaf, all of which are sold in fine art galleries and specialty stores worldwide. This broad diversity embodies Aram’s versatility as an artist who is comfortable working on private commissions, one of a kind pieces for gallery shows, or pieces that are affordable to a wider audience.

“Iconic,” “remarkably inventive” and “playfully sensual” are some of the adjectives that people have used to describe Michael Aram’s unique take on home furnishings, tableware and sculpture. Inspired by the millennial tradition of Indian metal work, Aram successfully launched his first thematic collection in 1989. The company and brand have grown steadily ever since. Using nature and his immediate surroundings for inspiration, Aram has built his brand’s reputation by creating high-quality craft-based pieces, which are largely inspired by the natural world. Aram’s empathetic and holistic worldviews have also made him a popular guest speaker, while he has remained active in philanthropic endeavors throughout his career.

The core of Michael Aram’s vision lies in a deep attraction to nature, in particular the fascinating variety of the world’s trees and plants. This is reflected in many of Michael Aram’s signature pieces, including the charmingly twisted “Sleepy Hollow” collection, his “Twigware” cutlery, and the “Fantasy Bloom” serving pieces all of which have brought a new whimsy and elegance to the American table. Aram also has collections, which are inspired by the natural elements from the Ocean and other that are inspired purely by the craft process.

Appropriately, in Hindi, “Aram” means “gently, with peace, with love and care”. Repeating this direction mantra-like to the craftsmen, Aram succeeds in making high quality work, which is as much a personal statement, as its appeal is universal.