Michael Aram

Michael Aram is an American born 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 where he discovered rich metalworking 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, which 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 range from tableware to furniture, both 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 piece for gallery shows, or pieces that are affordable to a wider audience.

Bridging the gap between the artist and artisan is a hallmark of Michael Aram's work. Whether in his narrative and figurative "signature" collection, or in his more contemporary 'studio' line, each piece is entirely handmade 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 melange of quality and originality sits comfortably at home in contemporary as well as in more classical interiors.

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.

Black Orchid Taper Candleholder set of 2



$195

The Black Orchid Collection takes its inspiration from the intricacies of form and texture found in foliage from around the world. By interpreting plant forms in cast metal, Aram presents work which is evocative of a natural environment transformed and redefined.

"This collection was really born out of the sense I have of haute couture. There is a velvety luxury – an almost gothic quality – to representing orchids in blackened nickel. To me, the pieces feel seductive and graceful, yet dark and unexpected."

Black Orchid Vase Medium



$150

Black Orchid Vase Small



$85

The Black Orchid Collection takes its inspiration from the intricacies of form and texture found in foliage from around the world. By interpreting plant forms in cast metal, Aram presents work which is evocative of a natural environment transformed and redefined.

"This collection was really born out of the sense I have of haute couture. There is a velvety luxury – an almost gothic quality – to representing orchids in blackened nickel. To me, the pieces feel seductive and graceful, yet dark and unexpected."

Black Orchid Vase - Large



$255

The Black Orchid Collection takes its inspiration from the intricacies of form and texture found in foliage from around the world. By interpreting plant forms in cast metal, Aram presents work which is evocative of a natural environment transformed and redefined.

"This collection was really born out of the sense I have of haute couture. There is a velvety luxury – an almost gothic quality – to representing orchids in blackened nickel. To me, the pieces feel seductive and graceful, yet dark and unexpected."

Lemonwood Mini Pitcher



$99

The Lemonwood Collection takes its inspiration from the intricacies of form and texture found in foliage from around the world.

"The Lemonwood Collection was inspired by a trip to Sorrento, where lemons are a way of life. Personally, I could add lemon to anything from soup to salad, from drinks to dessert. I imagine being surrounded by these pieces in my backyard, while I drink my lemonade on a hot summer day, or seeing them on a country table, next to some olive oil and tuscan bread."

Lemonwood Nut Bowl



$85
4x1in

The Lemonwood Collection takes its inspiration from the intricacies of form and texture found in foliage from around the world.

"The Lemonwood Collection was inspired by a trip to Sorrento, where lemons are a way of life. Personally, I could add lemon to anything from soup to salad, from drinks to dessert. I imagine being surrounded by these pieces in my backyard, while I drink my lemonade on a hot summer day, or seeing them on a country table, next to some olive oil and tuscan bread."

Lemonwood Silver Glass Tray Sm



$175
16x11in

The Lemonwood Collection takes its inspiration from the intricacies of form and texture found in foliage from around the world.

"The Lemonwood Collection was inspired by a trip to Sorrento, where lemons are a way of life. Personally, I could add lemon to anything from soup to salad, from drinks to dessert. I imagine being surrounded by these pieces in my backyard, while I drink my lemonade on a hot summer day, or seeing them on a country table, next to some olive oil and tuscan bread."

Lotus Blossom Glass Bowl Small



$139
15x4in

The Lotus Collection takes its inspiration from the mystical and serene symbolism associated with aquatic imagery.

"I love this combination of glass and metal. The transparent and shimmering nature of glass perfectly expresses the quality of the surface of water. The solid metal handles rise out from the glass surface just as lotus flowers pierce water, reaching up and bending backwards."

Lotus Blossom Glass Long Platter



$189
25x0in

The Lotus Collection takes its inspiration from the mystical and serene symbolism associated with aquatic imagery.

"I love this combination of glass and metal. The transparent and shimmering nature of glass perfectly expresses the quality of the surface of water. The solid metal handles rise out from the glass surface just as lotus flowers pierce water, reaching up and bending backwards."

Luna Bowl 9.25"



9x4in

The Gilded Collection takes its inspiration from the imagery that floats around classic storytelling. Whether the objects are seen individually or as a whole, they evoke a sense of charm and fantasy.

"Catching light and casting shadow, this bowl reminds me of the various faces of the moon. The mirror like surface of this bowl appears and disappears as light and darkness is reflected in it."

Hand-forged Stainless Steel reflective bowl supported by a cast Bronze ring.

Luna Double Heart Bowl



$98
9x2in

The Gilded Collection takes its inspiration from the imagery that floats around classic storytelling. Whether the objects are seen individually or as a whole, they evoke a sense of charm and fantasy.

"Catching light and casting shadow, this bowl reminds me of the various faces of the moon. The mirror like surface of this bowl appears and disappears as light and darkness is reflected in it."

Hand-forged Stainless Steel reflective bowl supported by a cast Bronze ring.

Luna Oval Platter Medium



$129
17x0in

Luna Oval Platter Small



$85
13x0in

The Gilded Collection takes its inspiration from the imagery that floats around classic storytelling. Whether the objects are seen individually or as a whole, they evoke a sense of charm and fantasy.

"Catching light and casting shadow, this bowl reminds me of the various faces of the moon. The mirror like surface of this bowl appears and disappears as light and darkness is reflected in it."

Hand-forged Stainless Steel reflective platter, playing with light and shadow.

Luna Single Heart Bowl



$55
4x2in

The Gilded Collection takes its inspiration from the imagery that floats around classic storytelling. Whether the objects are seen individually or as a whole, they evoke a sense of charm and fantasy.

"Catching light and casting shadow, this bowl reminds me of the various faces of the moon. The mirror like surface of this bowl appears and disappears as light and darkness is reflected in it."

Molten Long Oval Dish Small



$79
13x0in

The Studio Collection represents a way of living which I really love – streamlined, timeless shapes…objects which reverberate with the skill of their maker and yet do not fit into a traditional interpretation of craft. For me, the pieces possess a soulfulness and organic energy only possible through the handmade process. Molten is made by welding the edge of the piece not for the function of joinery, but for the beauty of the spontaneous quality of molten metal. Hand-welded edge complimenting the clean hand-forged forms

Molten Nut Bowl Small



$27.5
2x1in

The Molten Collection represents a way of living which I really love – streamlined, timeless shapes…objects which reverberate with the skill of their maker and yet do not fit into a traditional interpretation of craft. For me, the pieces possess a soulfulness and organic energy only possible through the handmade process. Molten is made by welding the edge of the piece not for the function of joinery, but for the beauty of the spontaneous quality of molten metal. Hand-welded edge complimenting the clean hand-forged forms.

Molten Rectangle Tray Small



$90
10x7in

The Studio Collection represents a way of living which I really love – streamlined, timeless shapes…objects which reverberate with the skill of their maker and yet do not fit into a traditional interpretation of craft. For me, the pieces possess a soulfulness and organic energy only possible through the handmade process. Molten is made by welding the edge of the piece not for the function of joinery, but for the beauty of the spontaneous quality of molten metal. Hand-welded edge complimenting the clean hand-forged forms.

Olive Branch Dish



$75
4.5x2in

The Bronzed Botanical Collection takes its inspiration from the intricacies of form and texture found in foliage from around the world. By interpreting plant forms in cast metal, Aram presents work, which is evocative of a natural environment transformed and redefined.

"I love the idea of an object's function being reflected in its form. The Olive Branch Dish holds olives … it's a perfect reflection of this poetic symmetry."

Hand hammered bowl with oxidized bronze olive branch.

Olive Branch Kiddush Cup



$59
5x3in

The Bronzed Botanical Collection takes its inspiration from the intricacies of form and texture found in foliage from around the world. By interpreting plant forms in cast metal, Aram presents work, which is evocative of a natural environment transformed and redefined.

"The ancient symbol of the olive branch as a sign of peace is one that I love."

Hand hammered Kiddush Cup with Oxidized Bronze olive branch.

Olive Branch Menorah Oxidized



$210
17x0in

The Bronzed Botanical Collection takes its inspiration from the intricacies of form and texture found in foliage from around the world. By interpreting plant forms in cast metal, Aram presents work, which is evocative of a natural environment transformed and redefined.

"I love the peaceful symbol of the olive branch. This is a piece which I love to use upside down as a small sculpture , and surprise my guests with when I flip it over and use it with candles."

Olive Branch Serving Plate Oxidized



$175
14x9in

The Olive Branch Collection takes its inspiration from the intricacies of form and texture found in foliage from around the world. By interpreting plant forms in cast metal, Aram presents work, which is evocative of a natural environment transformed and redefined.

"I love the idea of an object's function being reflected in its form. The Olive Branch Dish holds olives … it's a perfect reflection of this poetic symmetry."

Hand hammered Sabbath Plate with Oxidized olive branch.

Pomegranate Double Nut Bowl



$99
8x0in

The Pomegranate Collection takes its inspiration from the intricacies of form and texture found in foliage from around the world.

"For me, the shapes conjure a sense of freshness and fragility. At the same time the textures represent a metaphor for life itself … growth, vitality, pulsation. Pomegranates are a symbol of eternity, fertility, and plenty. It is an age old image which crosses cultures and transcends time. It is as beautiful as a sculptural object, standing empty, as it is as a functional piece."

Pomegranate Nut Bowl



$75
6x0in

The Pomegranate Collection takes its inspiration from the intricacies of form and texture found in foliage from around the world.

"For me, the shapes conjure a sense of freshness and fragility. At the same time the textures represent a metaphor for life itself … growth, vitality, pulsation. Pomegranates are a symbol of eternity, fertility, and plenty. It is an age old image which crosses cultures and transcends time. It is as beautiful as a sculptural object, standing empty, as it is as a functional piece."

River Rock Candleholder Small Pair of 2



$99

The River Rock Collection takes its inspiration from the mystical and serene symbolism associated with aquatic imagery. There is a universe in, under, and around the water which has its own visual vocabulary.

"The River Rock Collection celebrates one of my favorite things about the water, which ironically is rock! For me, rocks washed smooth by water over time speak of history and sensuality."

Natural found rocks cast and stacked in polished aluminum.

Sona Single Heart Bowl



$98
4x4in

The Gilded Collection takes its inspiration from the imagery that floats around classic storytelling. Whether the objects, in the Gilded Collection, are seen individually or as a whole, they evoke a sense of charm and fantasy.

"The Sona vessel is one of my favorite pieces. I dreamt of a holy man holding a golden orb. The world was whole, perfect, and radiant. The pieces are like a treasure that looks like it might have been unearthed a thousand years ago. Perhaps an offering bowl... full of promises of riches and comfort."

Ancient-looking Bronze vessel dipped in liquid gold.

Sona Vessel 8"



$199
8x3in

The Gilded Collection takes its inspiration from the imagery that floats around classic storytelling. Whether the objects, in the Gilded Collection, are seen individually or as a whole, they evoke a sense of charm and fantasy.

"The Sona vessel is one of my favorite pieces. I dreamt of a holy man holding a golden orb. The world was whole, perfect, and radiant. The pieces are like a treasure that looks like it might have been unearthed a thousand years ago. Perhaps an offering bowl... full of promises of riches and comfort."

Ancient-looking Bronze vessel dipped in liquid gold.

Twig Photo Frame



$95
6x4in

The Bark & Branch Collection takes its inspiration from the intricacies of form and texture found in foliage from around the world. By interpreting plant forms in cast metal, Aram presents work, which is evocative of a natural environment transformed and redefined.

"These frames give me such a feeling of comfort…it's a bit of nature inside the house. I imagine walking through a forest, looking up at the trees...twigs layered one on top of another, looking like a rustic latticework created by mother nature herself."

Twig Photo Frame 5x7



7x5in

The Bark & Branch Collection takes its inspiration from the intricacies of form and texture found in foliage from around the world. By interpreting plant forms in cast metal, Aram presents work, which is evocative of a natural environment transformed and redefined.

"These frames give me such a feeling of comfort…it's a bit of nature inside the house. I imagine walking through a forest, looking up at the trees...twigs layered one on top of another, looking like a rustic latticework created by mother nature herself."

Lemonwood Cutting Board



$79
14x5in

The Lemonwood Collection takes its inspiration from the intricacies of form and texture found in foliage from around the world.

"The Lemonwood Collection was inspired by a trip to Sorrento, where lemons are a way of life. Personally, I could add lemon to anything from soup to salad, from drinks to dessert. I imagine being surrounded by these pieces in my backyard, while I drink my lemonade on a hot summer day, or seeing them on a country table, next to some olive oil and tuscan bread."