Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrian Calderon.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It all began when my grandmother who came up to be 104 years old gave me some advice when I was 15 years old. She saw me drawing and said I had a talent, she asked if I knew what an artist was? Or did I know about an artist’s life, “you really should follow that life Adrian, it is incredibly interesting and never boring.” Ever since then, I pursued every medium that was artistic. I attended Columbia College Chicago with a concentration in Jewelry/small metals. Became a teacher’s assistant in the woodshop department for three years and I was also in charge of the ceramic/jewelry departments.
As my work grew larger and larger in scale, I had the honor of having an apprenticeship where I learned what “site-specific sculpture” meant. I was then connected to a company that fabricated large-scale size sculptures for artists, I was hired and worked there for almost 11 years straight. Focused on Architectural fabrication, removing, fabricating and installing large scale size sculptures. During my full-time employment there my personal style of work became more and more related to Art Deco. I followed the aesthetics of the 1920s, speed-progress-symmetry-formality. With that approach, I began designing and managing my own projects in furniture, rails, fences, mirrors, wine racks, light fixtures, etc. At the same time, a mural painting class I had in college came back into my interest and the murals started becoming a strong area of my work, from apartments I have lived into interior private residential commissions. I take pride in being an artist who has helped build the city of Chicago.
Recently, I also just finished fabricating and installing a three-story architectural stair in Manhattan, New York. I am currently working on freelance projects. I keep my work evolving in a relationship with its environment. Always open-minded to any project on the table. It’s my priority to create work that visually enhances its surroundings and adds value to its culture.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not, a career in metal fabrication includes scars, burns, an incredible amount of heavy lifting, risking your life and 24/7 availability. That would just be the physical side of it, the mental was the hardest one; you have to learn how to forget about the problems that face you and come up with a solution as quickly as possible, to leave behind characters that are toxic and apply “be the better person” and communicate bilingually to the actual workers so that everyone is on the same page which will allow progress and great end result on the product or project. Sometimes, working outside on a negative 20-degree weather was a little tough too.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Architectural metals fabricator and Art Deco Mural painter.
Specializing in designing custom metal fabrication, and interior mural painting.
I am known for being available 24/7 and because I live and breathe the 1920s art deco style.
I am proud of applying great design in metal fabrication with solutions and taking any projects given.
Apart from others? that I am the client’s personal artist available any day at any time.
What were you like growing up?
Artsy kid. Always appreciating cultures, always having musician friends around, being involved in communities of artisans.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://adriancalderondeco.blogspot.com/
- Phone: 13129727971
- Email: adriancsculpture@gmail.com
- Instagram: @aaadriiiiaaan
Image Credit:
Lauren Whitney
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
