Meet Erik Nordin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik Nordin.

Hi Erik, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
In the heart of Detroit, amidst the relics of an industrial era, rise the majestic creations of the Nordin Brothers. Israel and Erik Nordin, products of this robust metropolis, are more than just artists; they are historians, visionaries, and custodians of Detroit’s rich industrial legacy. Their studio on Michigan Avenue in Southwest Detroit is a 15,000 sq. ft. behemoth with two cranes, a place they have called home for over twenty years. 

The decision of the brothers to steadfastly commit to Detroit, in defiance of the allure of the coastal cities, speaks volumes about their dedication to authenticity. Detroit, in their eyes and in the annals of history, has always been a crucible of innovation, a city where raw talent and ingenuity have birthed some of the world’s most enduring art and industry. This commitment to place, combined with an indomitable spirit and fervent imagination, forms the alchemy of their success. One can only admire such tenacity and foresight in the ever-evolving tapestry of global culture. 

Having witnessed the city’s trials, from the tremors of the great recession to the Detroit Bankruptcy, their resilience is mirrored in their artwork. With roots entrenched in the city’s steel industry, beginning with work at their father’s steel company, the duo’s creations strike a harmonious balance between the ruggedness of Detroit’s industrial past and the refined contours of imaginative design. Their oeuvre, timeless in nature, leaves one pondering – is this a relic from antiquity or a harbinger of a futuristic landscape? 

A graduate from the esteemed Center for Creative Studies, Israel Nordin’s designs revel in clean lines and elegant forms. His profound understanding of metalworking, glassblowing, and ceramics, combined with an uncanny ability to breathe new life into found objects, sets him apart. Whether it’s the rustic allure of wood, the cold sheen of metal, or the fragile transparency of glass, Israel’s creations embody an ethos of minimalism, ensuring only the essential remains. 

Contrastingly, Erik Nordin, an alumnus of the University of Michigan music school, creates visual symphonies. His art resonates with the harmonics of a melody, the cadence of a rhythm, and the silence between notes. With a musical journey that commenced at the tender age of four which led to a full-ride scholarship at Michigan, Erik perceives art through the prismatic lens of music. His philosophy is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between art and music, with influences deeply rooted in architecture and nature. 

Their collaboration is akin to an artistic dance. At times in perfect unison, their thoughts merging into a single, cohesive idea, and at others, a playful tug-of-war where the design takes precedence over individuality. This partnership, a confluence of two distinct artistic temperaments, results in masterpieces that are larger than life. Their renowned creations, such as the “Detroit Menorah,” one of the tallest free-standing menorahs in the country, and “One world…under Michigan stars” on Belle Isle, the southern terminus of the Iron Belle Trail. Their newest piece, “The Path of Life,” was created with huge I -beam artifacts from Joe Louis Arena; the 42 ft tall vision sits between the Ambassador Bridge and the new Gordie Howe International Bridge in Riverside Park. It marks the beginning of the Joe Louis Greenway. All are a testament to their unparalleled synergy. 

Press reviews have often hailed the brothers as “Detroit’s Beacons of Artistic Resilience.” The Nordin Brothers’ legacy is not merely their monumental sculptures but the indomitable spirit of Detroit they encapsulate within them. As they endeavor to elevate their brand on a national pedestal, one can’t help but be captivated by their story – a story of endurance, innovation, and the timeless allure of art. Each of their pieces tell a story that resonates with the client and is authentic to the community where the objects will live. 

In the ever-evolving tapestry of contemporary art, the Nordin Brothers continue to explore and push limits, painting narratives in metal and glass, echoing the resilience of a city, and inspiring countless others along the way. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our journey as artists included weathering the devastating blows of the great recession and Detroit’s bankruptcy. Our humble testament to the resilience of human creativity against all odds. Something we are the most proud of that we are still here making art. Detroit in those years was a ghost town, full of adventure, scarce on opportunities. 

For more than two decades, we faced adversities that many would deem insurmountable. Our studio, situated on the once-troubled Michigan Avenue, was a magnet for break-ins. Our early days were cold; our three-legged wood stove was our only defense against the biting winter. Breathing in the studio, you’d see your breath linger, a reminder of the Midwest’s frigid touch. While making the 25-foot-tall Detroit Menorah, thieves broke through two feet of cinderblock with sledgehammers and stole every tool we owned. We had a week to finish the piece. It was a true miracle we did it. 

For us, adversity was not a setback but a muse. It’s the struggle that shape life. Reaching the peak is wonderful, but it’s the journey, the scrapes, the bruises, and the stories you tell that truly matter. They are the testament to one’s tenacity. 

Our dedication birthed opportunities; we never said no. Early creations were made with shoestring budgets yet bountiful in passion. Our ‘D-burst’ sculpture stands out — crafted with a mere budget of a few hundred dollars, it had to be lightweight yet visible from a 100-foot elevation to drop over the city at midnight. Conceived in a blizzard during the week leading up to New Year’s, the piece is a dynamic representation of a city bursting with energy at midnight. The “D”, made of erratic lights, symbolizes not just the city’s initial but its explosive growth. This labor of love was unveiled at Campus Martius, greeted by the roars of over 12,000 jubilant Detroiters. Their passion for our great city fulls ours. 

We have often gone above and beyond, once working a staggering 26 hours straight to fulfill a project for a major hospital. We’d push each other, a mantra of ‘keep moving’ always in the air. Our work ethic is crazy and was instilled in us by our father. It is simple yet profound: “Do what you promise and do it punctually. No excuses.” 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We create monuments and abstract sculpture from steel and glass. We use found objects sometimes, objects we refer to as artifacts. Our art pieces tell a story that is developed from a relationship with our clients. The story is the most important part; the art piece is a byproduct of our relationship. We are well-rounded in the arts and industry. We enjoy working with our hands. We have an inexhaustible appetite for exploring new ideas. Our work is classic is style. We work with simple ingredients, metal, and glass. Our menu is vast and combines the styles of two artists into one idea. Our work reaches out to everyone to inspire and create conversations about unity and what we can dream together. 

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
My favorite childhood memory was a trip we took out west; our parents took us (6 kids in the family) camping on a 6-month trip in a VW van throughout the western United States. It was life-changing. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.detroitdesigncenter.com
• Instagram: nordinbrothers@nordinbrothers
• Twitter: nordinbrothers@nordinbrothers

Image Credits
Andrew Dean
Nordin Brothers