Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron DeShields.
Hi Aaron, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am an artist, craftsman, and educator based in Detroit, Michigan. I grew up in North Carolina, My father was a machinist and my mother was a teacher. This upbringing brought me close to the machines and methods in which I produce my work. I was interested in art at an early age and pursued that through my high school and college years. I studied Sculpture at Appalachian State University where I began working with metals as my preferred medium. I traveled to Detroit, Michigan after college for an artist residency at Fortress Studios. I spent several years there developing my skills and becoming enamored with living and working in Detroit. I pursued my MFA in Metalsmithing from Wayne State University and completed my degree in 2023. I have since started my own metal fabrication company called Standard Fabrication & Forge, which specializes in architectural and sculptural metalwork. I also teach Blacksmithing at College for Creative Studies, helping the next generation of artists fall in love with the craft.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It certainly hasn’t been easy pursuing the life of an artist and small business owner. One has to learn to deal with rejection and speculation on a regular basis. Trying to make a living pursuing your creative ambitions is certainly a test of one’s endurance emotionally, financially, etc.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I fall into an interesting category of Artist-Blacksmith. Which means I bounce between the worlds of fine art, craft, architecture and design. My personal ambitions are within the sculptural works that I produce. My professional work relates more to ornamental ironwork for interiors and exteriors of homes and businesses. I’m proud that the work that I produce gets to exist in the world in a manner in which people live and interact with it. My work gets to change the lived environment for the clients that I work with.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I was also a musician in my teens and early twenties. I played in a few bands and did some solo work as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adeshieldsiron.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daaronc/
