arts&life
GIFT-GIVING 101
continued from page 43
scholars since the second century C.E. have believed that the
Ten Lost Tribes were to be found in Armenia — there has
always been a “sharing and layering of culture,” Aram says.
“I love making objects that are central to family rituals and
traditions which carry meaning and create memories for
generations.”
Aram, 55, “spent hours in the basement of my childhood
home, making things, taking things apart, putting them
back together again,” he says. “It was a strange passion —
but working with my hands is something I still enjoy.” So
he studied fine art and embarked on a career as a painter.
But it was while traveling through India (where he estab-
lished a home and workshop, in addition to New York
City) that Aram found his passion in the exquisite
metalwork he saw, still being produced using
time-honored methods of sand-casting
and hand-forging. He began to study
metal-craft techniques.
Among Aram’s first pieces were
his Twigware Serving Set, which
he sold to Barney’s and Neiman
Marcus — who placed the set on
their catalogue cover soon after.
“Nature is my biggest muse, as is the
handmade process,” Aram says. “I like tell-
ing stories with my work and enjoy incorporating
symbolism and meaning into my work.
“Metal has always captured my imagination since it is
very liquid when cast and then becomes a material which
hardens to stand the test of time,” he says. “It captures spon-
taneous gestures and then traps them for eternity. I like this
sense of spontaneous expression and permanence in one
material.”
Before he began working in metal, Aram says, “My work
was centered around themes such as nature’s elements, and
the idea of life, death and regeneration. I was fascinated by
how nature is a reflection of our existence.
“By representing organic motifs with the handmade pro-
cess, there is an energy that is captured between the hand of
the maker and the object he is making.”
The result is pieces — ranging from menorahs, Kiddush
cups, mezuzahs and more to serving pieces, table settings,
entertaining pieces, linens, lighting, furniture, even jewelry
— all crafted with a thoughtful sensibility and lyrical form.
In almost any object, it is clear it was designed by a person
with a passion for narrative storytelling and objects made by
hand.
In his work, Aram is fascinated with objects of ritual,
regardless of the faith with which they are connected. They
are imbued with a profound energy and meaning — wheth-
er it is a unique object or derived from a motif with a broad
collection, each piece is created with a particular sense of
reverence and care in both the function and the design.
At home, Aram lives simply. Wearing a uniform of jeans
and a wrinkled cotton shirt, sometimes dressed up with a
jacket and pocket square, he drinks in the characters and
richness of the atmospheres he’s created.
“My home in Delhi is like a visual encyclopedia of color
and texture with layering of antiques and objects and art,”
Aram says. “Our home in NYC is a family space, but also
very calm and neutral, as a warm and cozy urban sanctuary.”
Two distinct sides of one man’s aesthetic, but blended
in a gorgeous yet functional style. Just like his work. ■
44
November 29 • 2018
jn
Palm Celebration Cup
What does Michael Aram like to give as gifts?
“I like to give pieces that have meaning or can
be combined with other things to be enjoyed
at the moment then left behind to capture a
memory,” he says. For example, he will frame a
picture of the recipient in a beautiful frame, “or
sometimes, cook a side dish and give it in a bowl
or serving dish.” If he doesn’t know the recipient
well, he might give a candle or olive dish — what
he calls the “Aram 101” piece that everyone
should start their collection with.
As for which collection he prefers to give from,
he says, “I have many favorite collections. They
are all my ‘babies’ so I can’t really say I have a
favorite. They are all special to me for different
reasons.” ■
The Black Orchid Mezuzah and
Kiddush Cup
Gooseberry
Pierced Bowl
The White Orchid Menorah
A menorah from the Olive
Branch Collection
Pomegranate Plate
details
Meet Michael Aram and have any
purchase from the Michael Aram
am
Collection engraved (time permit-
mit-
ting) on the third floor of Macy’s
y’s
Somerset, Troy, 6-8 p.m. Thursday,
day,
Dec. 6. (248) 816-4000;
macys.com.