I am a professional artist and designer and have a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Kansas. I am trained in metal fabrication and casting. My work is designed using the best material for the concept. I have worked in many different materials and multi materials such as wood, metal, stone, fur on leather, acrylic, found objects and materials, reclaimed materials, seeds, ashes, fabrics, lighting, technology and many more. Some work I produce is a collaboration with my wife Shannon White. We collaborate as White Art Studio. The examples for wood sculpture I am showing are from chainsaw carved large-scale works to small table sized hand carved works. Some included metal casting and pyrography, or other materials. If you would like to see other examples, please let me know. My work is not what would be considered traditionally conceptual, as the final aesthetics are very important, but the idea is just as important. In fact the idea is the driving force for the choices I make for the work. I have produced commissioned works for life events such as engagements, marriages, births, new employment, major life changes, new home, retirement, memorials, remembrance, awards, honors and more. Sometimes work is commissioned because the client just liked the work and was looking for a new element in their space. Whatever your reason for wanting to have a sculpture made, I am committed to the process of understanding the heart of what you desire, translating this idea and bringing it to life. My work is driven by my love of shape and form. I tend to be minimal in design and many times contains primitive elements and forms. Each piece is designed specifically for each client. I work with whatever material is the best for the project but have an affinity for wood and metal. I also work in stone, acrylic, glass, resin, foam, and many other unique materials. I take commissions while also producing my original designs. My fine artwork is available upon request. If you have a certain deadline or event you are trying to meet, please let me know ahead of time, so I can make sure that I can fulfill your needs as there are many elements that are required to produce a commissioned sculpture. I have made small works in a few weeks time, but many times the process of making art takes some time. Depending on the level of description, and your communication as well as the detail, size and materials will determine how long each work requires. Please plan accordingly. Thank you for letting me share my work with you. I always appreciate referrals, as they are praise from a satisfied client.
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
As an artist, I found my love of objects at an early age. I was always drawing diagrams on napkins and discussing how things were made, like my father and grandfather. They owned and operated a display manufacturing business, so I was around design and material process from the beginning. My entrepreneurial career began around the age of seven, when I asked my dad to help me cut out some wood shapes on a small jigsaw, added color and sold them on the driveway. i was hooked.
After a year playing college football and throwing javelin in Indiana, I honed my art skills especially metal fabrication and casting finishing with a BFA in sculpture at the University of Kansas. During art school my brother Brian and I designed and made alternative clothing for the skate crowd. My wife and I began selling visual merchandising products to retailers, eventually garnering major clients all over the world. We also started HAVA studios to collaborate on creative projects which led to unique and very high end work. Many times I was providing the design and project management and not having the time to work on the making. I have had to carve out time to make art and also collaborated with my wife on award winning public art.
A few years ago, after chain saw carving a large 8' sculpture out of a huge spalted maple log. The wood cut away was so beautiful, so I carved my wife small piece and hung it on a silver chain. She received many comments and requests about the "wearable sculpture" pendant and I started making them for family and friends, and eventually galleries. Because splating is a natural process; like a finger print, there are no two alike. I expanded the hand carvings to earrings and rings, and then started making other objects including small freestanding sculptures and charcuterie/cheese serving boards, while filling custom requests for furniture and lighting as well as interior design.
My work is driven by my love of shape and form. I tend to be minimal in design. I work with whatever material is the best for the project but have an affinity for wood and metal. I also work in stone, acrylic, glass, resin, foam, and many other unique materials. I take commissions while also producing my original designs. My fine artwork is available upon request.
John Crespi
For Polenta Serving BoardsScott McCracken
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting BoardDarin was wonderful to work with. From the initial conversation to the end, the project went very smoothly and finished ahead of schedule. He was very patient with my numerous questions and even sent photos of rough wood for me to choose my exact piece, lending a custom feeling to the finished Charcuterie Board. It came out beautifully and I will definitely use Darin again for a project like this. Thank you Darin
Maxime Robillard
For Personalized Laser Engraved Serving Trays And BoardsDarin was amazing!
Unfortunately I was hoping for a larger, thicker board with Live edge. Shipping took longer than the project.
Would recommend.
Paige Bishop
For Magnetic knife rackI loved the custom charcuterie board that my mother in law got me from Darin for Christmas one year so much that when I was in the market for a custom magnetic knife board I reached out to him. He had not made one before, but he was happy to help and he did a fantastic job! It was extremely easy to hang and the magnets are very secure for my knives but still allow me to easily remove them. Darin gave updates throughout the entire process and involved me in all of the decisions in this project. He is very creative and artistic and he really brought my idea to life !
Robert Fogliasso
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting BoardA guide to the best items from the best makers and the stories behind them.