We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Daniella Algarate. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Daniella below.

Daniella, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

My father, Gonzalo Algarate – GAD Art & Fabrication co-owner – began working as a studio manager for Artist Robert Graham, where he was trained in the art of sculpting, lost-wax process, and bronze patinas/finishes from the year 1984 until 1997 and then went on to open his own metal fabrication studio in 1998. With his knowledge and expertise in the world of metal fabrication, he is teaching and working alongside my brother, Marcelo, and I, Daniella.
When my brother and I were kids, we spent a lot of time at the studio. There were many times where we didn’t particularly enjoy being there but we would watch him work on projects for clients from beginning to end.
Although we were both too young to physically do the work, I do wish I had paid closer attention to what it actually was that he was doing. He has many skills that I am now starting to hone in on but I may have gotten to this point more quickly if I had asked more questions. I can’t really complain though, I am learning these skills now and very much enjoy the craft.

Daniella, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

We are a family-owned and operated artisanal and luxury metal fabrication studio. We specialize in producing handcrafted furniture, architectural elements, art, patinas and finishes for a variety of architectural firms, interior designers, artists, furniture designers, and art advisors, etc. I’d say we are most known for our immediate approach to problem-solving and our careful attention to detail. Oftentimes, a client will come to us with a design and won’t understand how their piece will be engineered or how it will function – we are able to give them quick ideas and solutions to their concerns and explain how their pieces will be fabricated and assembled.
What sets us apart from other metal fabricators is that we have more of an eye for artistic design. I think it helps that all three of us are artists. Designers often choose us to fabricate their pieces because we are consistent and detail-oriented and our finishes are refined and delicate. We enjoy working with people/companies that design more sculptural and artistic furniture pieces or architectural components.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think most people can agree that it feels good to be recognized for the hard work that is put into every project. I’d say that is the most rewarding, when a client is appreciative and in awe of the pieces we fabricate. We try our very best to be consistent and detail-oriented and our clients notice that. No matter the size or intricacy of a project, we approach each one with care and are committed to delivering delivering the highest level of craftsmanship.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Like many other small businesses, we were not immune to struggles through the process of starting up. I can say, though, that we have experienced better times rather than hardships. We have loyal clients who turn to us for their projects. There’s a kind of saturation in the art world that is unavoidable especially in LA. LA is an important city to be in for creatives in the design industry but it definitely presents many challenges. What we do is very niche and there aren’t many businesses that offer fine metal work and that can sometimes make it more difficult for potential clients to discover us.

One thing I can say is that social media has increased our visibility to artists and interior designers where many of our returning clients have discovered us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.galgarate.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gad.artandfabrication/

Image Credits

Patty Sanchez
GAD Art & Fabrication