Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael Dillon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Michael, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

The riskiest and most rewarding endeavors for me are in the public art field. The process of being chosen for a project is quite daunting, as there are so many ways to approach it. You are asked to create a monumental, attractive and meaningful work of art for a community, to last a lifetime! The selection process begins as they review the CV and images of the prior work from 50 to several hundred applicants. If short listed, you then create a concept, the building process and budget, to pitch to the council for decision. For me this includes studying the history of the community, relative feel of the space, and what the future could hold for the area. “Aileron” was only my second public art piece, and for me the largest and most successful. After the city of Nashville had selected me as one of three finalists, my mind was spinning with ideas! To find my voice, many 2-D renderings were produced from key ideas that related to the site. From there, the idea was developed into a 3-D model. This is where the piece came to life for me. In my studio with fire and hammer to iron I forged it into reality! After proposing the project to the community in person with the model, there was no question this was meant to be. Now for the scary part, how to build a three ton kinetic sculpture. This was right after the housing crash of 2008, and my architecture work load had dropped drastically. This was my opportunity to go big. After completing the engineering of how to make two tons of metal stand and another ton spin on the top, I was under the gun to physically build it, by myself…

Michael, 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?

From the time I graduated from fine art college, I knew there was a path to success, but I had no idea where or how to travel this path. I tried to find work in my field with little success. Taking a job that allowed favorable free time, I started on my own, in my home garage. With a few tools, I began with creating work for myself and family. Friends began to take notice of my creations and wanted to commission more work. Slowly over years of building clients, I began to represent my work as a business. I also was fortunate to find a mentor. Working with him part time to build architectural work he introduced me to the classical architectural scene in Atlanta, and through this I landed my first solo job. With this job, I opened my first professional studio, Dillon Forge. I remember wondering if I would be able to afford rent! The first railing I designed and built was a huge success, which led to three decades of work. I feel my fine art background allows me to communicate visual ideas easily with clients. I also took jobs that scared the hell I out me, with no real idea how to build such things. Through constant drive to perfect my craft and be the best, the work exceeded even my idea of what could be accomplished.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

Through the years I have been successful creating a prolific body of work in very diverse styles. I have always loved working metal and blacksmithing showed me how little I actually know. That way I am always inventing new ways to work material. This allows a fresh way to approach the process. Looking towards the future I still aspire to build what I can imagination, hoping one day to dive further into purely kinetic sculpture. I feel very fortunate to be able to pursue the many opportunities I have been dealt. My family, friends and community are also a huge inspiration that allows me to grow everyday.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I have always tried to over deliver, go beyond what is expected. Also, pay close attention to the details of the project, say what I intend to do and follow through. I pride myself on the excellence of craft, delivering a product that begs people to ask, how? The biggest advantage I have is creativity, my ability to imagine the idea and then bring it to life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dillonforge.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dillonsculpture
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-dillon-78935616/

Image Credits

Michael Dillon