Sculpting “Tough-Beauty” in Metal

In the realm of artistry, Doug Fanning stands as a passionate architect, designer, and creator, known for crafting works that embody the essence of “tough-beauty.” Drawing inspiration from the raw power and elegance of classic American muscle cars, Doug transforms the rugged and ordinary into graceful beauty through his meticulous shaping of metal—a process driven by sheer willpower and unceasing experimentation.

Nestled in his Red Hook Brooklyn studio, Doug immerses himself amidst an array of metal bars and sheets, surrounded by a trove of creative ideas and ongoing experiments. The atmosphere is one where the spirit of possibilities is ever-present, and Doug believes that anything and everything is achievable. From this crucible of potentialities emerges a stunning fusion of architecture, design, and physics, manifesting as clean, fluid, and audacious pieces of art.

Doug holds a master’s degree in architecture from Columbia University and has shared his expertise as a teacher at prestigious institutions such as The Parsons School of Design, The University of the Arts, Rhode Island School of Design, and The University of Pennsylvania.

His debut at Salon Art + Design in 2019, marked a significant moment in his career. Benoist Drut, impressed by Doug’s meticulous approach, notes, “Maybe because Douglas was trained as an architect, I have rarely seen such a thirst for perfection, attention to details, and subtlety.”

Doug's mastery extends across all metals, pushing the boundaries of physics to achieve what may seem effortless and simple at first glance. However, each creation is the result of years of refinement, reflecting a profound love for craft and process.

Bonham Gallery is honored to represent and showcase the best of Doug Fanning’s artistry, where each piece tells a story of dedication, precision, and an unwavering passion for the transformative power of metal.