One of the pleasures I have missed during this time of Covid is visiting art galleries. Even though some are opened on a limited basis, I prefer to do my gallery hopping online for the immediate future. Since the holiday season is fast approaching, I have also begun to shop online for my holiday gifts. The perfect gift for the gardener or art lover on my list would be one of the whimsical metal sculptures of local artist David Dunn. For the past two years, I have had the pleasure of writing about this young sculptor’s annual collections.
David grew up in DC and spent summers and holidays at his family’s waterfront Bozman home. From an early age, he would take driftwood and other Bay detritus deposited by the high tides and repurpose them into three-dimensional art. The Chesapeake Bay provided an unlimited source of found materials which later inspired his first “Sea Creatures” series of metal art.
David recently sent me images of his latest work and I appreciated how each image had two views of the sculpture so you could appreciate the piece from two angles. As always, I was enchanted by his imaginative use of everyday materials and his wry names, such as my favorite, “Sir Clamps a Lot”. Side by side, the two Knights appear to be ready to engage in battle with their clamp arms raised high. The knight’s face is protected by his glistening 18th century Pig Helmet that reflects David’s keen interest in Medieval battle gear. Another favorite is the “Wrench Dyno” with his spark plug body and the wrench that becomes his neck and face. The images of “Wrench Dyno” appear to be two pugilists ready to get into the ring. These new crawling, slithering or swimming creatures are so kinetic-check out David’s highlights from his new work below and prepare to be amazed by his versatility!
Dazzle Crab, 11’ x 15” x 11”, base 14” x 7”
Dazzle Crab, 11’ x 15” x 11”, base 14” x 7”,
Hell Fish, 15” x 16” x 20, base 6” x 12”
Imperator Octopus, 19” x 22” x 20”, base 12” x 12”
Mardi Gras Lobster, 23” x 14” x 38”, base 9” x 17”
Purple Shark, 10” x 8” x 16”, base 9” x 16”
Sir Clamps Alot, 19” x 20” x 22”, base 20” x 14”
Wrench Dyno, 9” x 4” x 16”, base 4” x7”
NOLA Demon Crab Fish, 27”x12” x 20”, base 12” x 12”
Tortoise Galapagos, 28” x 36” x 36”, base 30” x 22”
Wrench Rex, 21” x 8” x 17”, base dimensions 8” x 8”
David’s work can be found in private collections including clients on the Eastern Shore and New York City, Key West, Malibu and Washington DC.
I firmly believe a daily touch of whimsy is good for one’s soul. Now that gardens are becoming dormant until spring, one of David’s colorful whimsical creations may be just the antidote to the winter doldrums and the perfect gift for the gardener on your list!
For additional photographs of Dave’s new Fall 2020 Collection, “Creatures of the Deep”, visit www.dunninmetal.com or email Dave at [email protected]. You can also contact Dave at 202-390-1881.
Martha Court says
Small addition to your list of places where Dave’s work can be found: please add Normandy, France. We saw his works two years ago and could not resist the crab…a wonderful reminder of our time on the Eastern shore. It is wonderful to see his growth as an artist as well as developing sophistication. Looking forward to acquiring more pieces on our next trip to the US. Bravo Dave….keep growing; keep imagining; keep sculpting!
Liz Tankersley says
I’ve seen some of Dave’s creations in person, and they are wonderful! Charming, creative, funky and fun. The work he puts into each sculpture is impressive: the idea, the search for the right materials, and the final creation. I don’t know how he does it, but he continues to come up with new and intriguing ways of expressing his talents.
I always look forward to see what he’s done lately!
Berna Huebner says
Be sure to look at David’s work!! We find it very creative and dynamic!!
Lucy Wilson says
So glad to read this article and to see Dave’s new work. I am a fan!