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Meet Daniel Moore of The Oxide Studio in Willo Historic District; Downtown-Phoenix

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Moore.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a child growing up in Iowa City, I enjoyed drawing and making things but didn’t really consider a life in the arts until my sophomore year in college, that’s when I discovered I could actually major in art. I promptly switched my major to Photography and Graphic Design. The images of Ansel Adams became the greatest influence during this period. Upon completing my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Photography with minors in Ceramics/Metal/Jewelry Making from the University of Iowa, I decided it was time to experience someplace new and I had a friend and a connection in Arizona.

Prior to founding the Oxide Studio in 2010, I had worked at a variety of corporate entities as a Graphic Designer, but the crash of 2008 and being downsized handed me an opportunity to redesign my future. Picking up a variety of skills in metal working and welding with the sign company where I had been working, I decided it was now or never and took the plunge into his own art business.

The botanical themes throughout my work are influenced by my many years of exploring Arizona and the Sonoran Desert, whose plant life and landscape diversity rival that of any other terrestrial ecoregion on Earth. My pieces reflect a desire to combine iconic design with a medium that reflects a sense of timelessness and permanence. Adding my photographic background influenced the choice to “frame” each design within the confines of a rectangle, producing a contemporary, somewhat formal presentation that contrasts well with the colors and organic forms in its environment.

Starting with a few botanically themed panels I showed at local home tours and art fairs and clients began to ask if he could design/fabricate a custom project at their home and/or business. Of course, I always replied, “Yes!” and my work and client base has expanded expediently. Now, 18 different panel designs are a part of my portfolio along with hundreds of residential and commercial clients.

Then, in 2014, I was commissioned by a private developer in Tempe, AZ to design, fabricate and install seven large scale botanical panels on their new building. This introduced me to the world of Public Art, an area I am strongly drawn to and I have had the privilege of working with libraries, schools, parks, cities, government agencies, and private development to envision public art that embodies the cultural expression, the character, and purpose of the project. I happily have several awards/pieces in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chino Valley, and Tucson.

Nature, in its most comprehensive sense, provides the inspiration for my pieces. My goal is to enhance the built environment, invite personal interaction, and engage the viewer through my work by identifying themes meaningful to each specific site and community. Three decades as a designer, photographer and fabricator produce a broad range of skills that enable me to embrace projects, no matter the scale. As a skilled craftsperson with an ingrained sense of artistry, I observe a self-prescribed mandate to create excellent, extraordinary work. I always look forward to relating the many elements into a complementary presentation that stands the test of time, tangibly and artistically.

The Oxide Studio is located in the garage at my home in the Willo Historic District in Phoenix.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes, there have been struggles, but there has been no price too high for the privilege of being the creator of my own world.

Income was the largest struggle. When my wife and I made the decision to give Oxide a go, we had lost almost everything, investments, retirement and savings, and a weekly paycheck. Two of our three daughters were in college and our youngest at home. This was a big leap in an unpredictable climate with a mortgage to pay.

However, we made a commitment and always found a way. My wife found employment, which relieved some of the financial pressures and we continually grew the Oxide Studio, day by day, week by week. In 2016, Oxide needed both of us full time and a second leap occurred.

Happy to report that our leaps have served us well. Priceless life lessons for us and our children. The Oxide Studio has always been and continues to be a family run business.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Oxide Studio – what should we know?
I believe what sets me apart is my many skill sets combined together. If I can draw it, I can build it. I can then photograph it and add it on my website, which I also created.

I specialize in metal, steel specifically, as it vigorously sustains itself within the environment. Steel requires little or no maintenance, as it can be left to oxidize and develop a unique patina over time. There are also multiple options to protect the steel to preserve its finish. In addition, adding lighting and other metals; stainless, copper, etc. and/or fused glass, are all materials I have utilized in my sculptural works.

My insatiable desire to learn and my fascination with the natural world enables me to translate all of the above into my work. My completed projects include inspired sculptural pieces, memorable freestanding works, gateways, enclosures, furniture and more. I have always thought that simple, elegant designs are the most impactful.

When clients, public or private, are happy with what I have created for them is what makes me most proud and confirms my decision to have chosen this career.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Phoenix is very supportive of the arts and small businesses. Organizations like Artlink, Local First AZ and others are a great resource and support system. Arizona and all of its major municipalities have strong Public Art Programs and everyone I have encountered is not only experts in the field but extremely helpful to artists like myself.

I started here, but have lived here for 30 years and that is an advantage, I had a strong base of friends and family who enthusiastically received my work and supported me in many ways.

To start in your own backyard has its advantages, if it does not, Phoenix is a great place to go.

Pricing:

  • Botanical Panels-4 sizes, 18 designs-$75-$350
  • Custom Projects range anywhere from $500 to $10,000, depending.

Contact Info:


Image Credit:

Daniel Moore

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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