Where do you go for inspiration? I get inspiration from the world around me. I see designs in nature that I may use in a future piece. For example, I’m inspired by the layout of the seeds in a sunflower, the twist of a pine cone, repetitive shapes, fractals in nature, geometric patterns, etc. I enjoy abstract as well as representational art. I love to visit museums and view art from various cultures, both contemporary and ancient. Are there particular artists that inspire you? One of my favorite influences would be George Daniels (famous watchmaker) who is one of the only watchmakers that can build the entire watch from start to finish. I really enjoy Escher ’s work as well as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Hendrick Goltzius, and Albrecht Dürer who was also a goldsmith. When creating a new piece of work, what process do you go through (sketches, research, etc.)? Once I have an inspiration, I make sketches to get the basic idea down on paper. Then I create models so I can engineer a design that will not only be beautiful but will also be functional. Unlike other forms of art that may be hung on a wall or set on a shelf to be enjoyed, jewelry must be designed from the beginning to fulfill its purpose of being worn.
Just for Fun Todd loves to get out in the country and bicycle. He likes to learn about health and fitness. He also enjoys traveling and experiencing other cultures and foods.
You have traveled the world sharing your art and working with different cultures. What is your biggest take away? I think traveling always shows me that while each culture may have its own way of doing things, the people in those cultures are always just as eager to learn about others as I am. I have benefited greatly by being able to see the world through a different cultural lens. Every time I have the opportunity to travel, I always find inspiration and ideas for creating new pieces. Where do you see the future of jewelry and hand engraving? I think stone setting and hand engraving can be applied not only to custom jewelry such as rings, bracelets and watches but can also be expanded to embellish other forms of art and custom goods.
To see more of Todd’s work, follow @todddanielsdesigns.
Your Instagram also features other forms of art, including printmaking, drawing, and sculpture. Do you find that your work in other arts influence your metal work and vice versa? What benefits do you see from working in other media? I feel that by doing multiple art forms I have the opportunity to express both organic and geometric designs separately, however, I can also bring these two polar opposites together in a piece. For example, in a single watch project I may incorporate both organic and geometric qualities and the contrast of the two together in a single composition can amplify the effect.
If you could pass one bit of advice on to other artists, what would it be? The biggest piece of advice I could pass on is that people need to give themselves grace when they are learning new skills. Don’t be self-defeating. Understand that you learn by making mistakes. If you do not push yourself to your boundaries, you will never know your true potential. Is there anything else that you would like to share? Enjoy the journey of learning and creating, not just your final goals.
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