Michael Aram: Functional Art. At Home.
It was during a trip to India as a tourist that Michael Aram, at that time a graphic designer and painter living in New York City, found himself mesmerized by the craftsmanship of everyday tools made by craftsmen peddling their wares in the streets. What surprised him most was that the plastic, mass-produced buckets and shovels were more valuable to people than the beautiful hand-forged iron buckets with beautifully turned handles. Having no studio in New York in which to craft his own locally designed works, Aram started working side-by-side with craftsmen in New Delhi, sometimes sketching out his designs in the dirt or on sketch pads.
After a while, Aram brought his designs back to New York where they were met with enthusiasm by people ready for more sensual and creative bowls, cutlery, and home furnishings. Aram describes the look and feel of housewares in the late ’80s as being all about sleek lines as if they were all made in a Mercedes Benz factory. The immediate reaction to his work was a keen appreciation for the texture and feel of what he was designing. In fact, Aram’s designs are sublimely organic in their construction. Definitely off the beaten path, his plant forms in cast metal connect us again with the natural environment around us.
While some of Aram’s works are high-priced objets d’art, you’d be surprised at how (relatively) reasonably some things are priced. From the decorative paper towel holder, salt and pepper shakers, and serving items to the higher priced lamps, tables, and tea services, there’s something for everyone in the market for a more artistic household. For more houseware eye candy, click here for more of Michael Aram’s divine creations. You can find Aram at finer department stores.
