Daniella Algarate’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We recently had the chance to connect with Daniella Algarate and have shared our conversation below.

Daniella, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity – which comes with its own form of intelligence and energy. I think relationships are to built on integrity; it’s not real without it. But I think the most important thing to remember is to stay true to your integrity and remind yourself of that when you start veering off course.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Daniella Algarate and I am a co-owner of GAD Art & Fabrication, a family owned and operated metal fabrication studio that focuses on creating unique works of art, handcrafted furniture and architectural elements for a variety of designers with my father and brother.
I focus primarily on finish treatments, such as patina and other surface techniques on metal. I also oversee the studio’s operations – from connecting with clients, keeping projects on schedule, photographing fabrication processes, and handling both web design and social media. In addition to my role at GAD, I also design and fabricate my own sculptural work as an independent artist, drawing on techniques I use on my day to day work at the studio.

My artist bio is:
Designed and fabricated with the intention of highlighting the connection between visual and textural representations of the natural world, I aim to create pieces that allow the viewer to invite outside environments indoors. While the topographical and organic designs of my pieces are to remain static, patina’d and mirror polished surfaces are expected to evolve with the exposure to the outside elements. As time progresses, the continued oxidization of the metal’s surface enhances their tactility as if they are living organisms. Metal as my medium of choice allows me to investigate the connection between traditional patina and surface techniques and its inherent nature to transform over time.

I attended The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, earning a BFA in Fiber and Materials Study in 2014, where I focused on both contemporary and traditional weaving practices before transitioning to metal.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
There isn’t a specific moment that I can point to that’s shaped how I see the world. I think what has helped me slowly gain awareness is a collection of moments and experiences. My opinions and perspectives shift in more ways than one depending on how I engage and move through the world.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
The thought of giving up comes and goes. I often think of what it would look like without the studio grounding me. This past year has had it’s ups and downs. Trying to maintain a business in the current political climate has been a struggle but we are adapting, learning and pushing ahead with new ideas. I am confident that our ability to move forward will lead to positive outcomes.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Staying true to yourself; fads are temporary and do not define an artist’s success. Succumbing to them leads to fleeting results and distracts from your intentions, creating a dissatisfaction with your work. While adaptability is important in the design and contemporary art scene, I always emphasize the importance of trusting what I’m creating, and allowing the work to speak for itself.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
I run into this dilemma at the studio and often need guidance in the process of making my own work. My father has over 40 years experience in the metal fabrication industry and frequently rely on him to assist me with the fabrication process and what it is I am trying to achieve. Although I need to be shown how to do something multiple times, I eventually learn to do it myself – hoping to continue building on those skills.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dalgarate.com (individual art website) & www.galgarate.com (GAD business website)
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.algarate/ & https://www.instagram.com/gad.artandfabrication/