We were lucky to catch up with Dan Shaughnessy IV recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back on your career, have you ever worked with a great leader or boss? We’d love to hear about the experience and what you think made them such a great leader.

The. best boss I ever had would have to be my old friend, Mike Helbing. I met Mike back in 2012, and at the time he had been in the sculpture world for over 30 years. Not only did he create his own large scale work but he was also the right hand to one of the best sculptors of all time, Richard Hunt. From the outside, Mike was quite intimidating. A Vietnam Veteran, who cursed like a sailor, and honestly scared anyone new he met. He was an atypical artist in the sense he approached everything differently in the studio. Most artists, I have found, follow a set of rules and use they’re tools as suggested. Mike was completely opposite, he had this uncanny ability to push the boundaries of his tools and equipment, opening new doors and possibilities. A common phrase from Mike was, “Ya gotta play Dan! You’re never gonna figure out what you like if you don’t play!”. This approach has been etched into my style, and how I view my work. I was lucky enough to work with Mike for over 8 years as his Apprentice. In 2017, I got my first large scale commission – A 22′ Stainless Steel Dandelion that lit up the night sky. Of course, I was way in over my head, building anything at that scale is serious. Luckily, Mike was there and actually acted like the apprentice and ensured the success of the project with absolute back breaking work. Looking back now, those memories bring a smile to my face. He was the best boss I ever had and also friend.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

It all started with my fascination with welding. I grew up in Texas and was able to learn how to stick weld at my middle school. From there I was hooked. Don’t get me wrong, the Metal Shop did scare me but there is something special about welding. When you put that welding helmet on, everything else is blacked out, you can only see what’s right in front of you. To me, it was of course exciting but also peaceful and calming. As time went on, I met a public. sculptor named Bob Mosier which changed everything. Bob was a true creative in every sense of the word. He was the type of teacher that wouldn’t tell you how to build something, you had to make mistakes and learn.

After working for various sculptors, I started DSIV Studio. For me, I like building challenging projects, forcing you as an artist to grow. Wether it’s a 22′ Dandelion or an 18′ Giraffe made from 30,000 pieces, I enjoy testing my ability. Now, The future of DSIV is reliant on the balance of sculpture and technology. One thing I have learned from my mentors was technology had no place in public sculpture, it was more of a nuisance. I feel quite the opposite. Using data, sensors, and lights, we have the ability to create landmark sculptures that get better overtime. That have the ability to interact and connect with the community, becoming a part of the city. Going forward, DSIV Studio will be creating projects that are heavily integrated with technology.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

One mission I’d like to think DSIV stands by is rich collaboration. I truly believe in the idea of collaboration and working together for one common goal. I’d rather have a room full of artists working together on one idea. To me, this is our ethos. The projects we work on now can have up to 30 different team members, all artists in their own way. Of course, it isn’t easy having too many cooks in the kitchen but with the right team, we have the ability to truly tap into the concept.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wouldn’t say there wasn’t any resources early in my journey. It’s impossible to say where an artist will go career wise. At the end of the day, if you are doing what you love, it’s an success. The best advice I could give any young artist, keep your head down, work hard and be kind. Let the universe do the rest.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dsivstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ds__iv/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041945381983
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danshaughnessyiv/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@danshaughnessyiv462