Michael Aram

Michael Aram is an American artist who works primarily in 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. Discovering the rich metalworking traditions of the country, Aram was inspired to learn from and encourage the skilled craftsmen whose work he felt was under appreciated and threatened by mass production techniques. After creating what would be his first collection of craft based designs, Aram became the driving force behind a small cottage industry of Indian metalworkers. From his home and workshop in New Delhi, Aram creates designs ranging from tableware to furniture, which are sold in 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 creating pieces affordable to a wider audience. Bridging the gap between artist and artisan is a hallmark of Michael Aram’s work. Whether in his narrative and figurative collection, or his more contemporary line, each piece is entirely hand made with no two examples ever exactly the same. The handmade quality of the work allows it to shift beautifully between the realm of fine and decorative art. This enduring mélange of quality and originality sits comfortably at home in contemporary as well as in more classical interiors. Aram hopes that his designs inspire creative interactions with those who house them. Appropriately, in Hindi, “aram” means “gently, with peace, with love and care”. Repeating this direction mantra-like to the craftsmen, Aram has succeeded in making high quality work, which is as personal a statement as its appeal, is universal.