Often described as innovative, enigmatic and extraordinary, Daniel Brush's creations, which range from paintings to woodcutting to sculpture and jewelry, at once beckon admirers and defy easy explanation. Drawing from a breadth of worldly experience, introspective study and unparalleled technical virtuosity, his idiosyncratic oeuvre is often called the best-kept secret in the art world and has been collected by public, private and Royal collections.
Mesmerizing in their intricacy and daring in their fabrication, Brush's work is often compared to the finest pieces of historical masters. Already admired as a painter, he turned to working with gold in his 20s. He was initially captivated by the work of ancient goldsmiths and decided to make gold fibulae that were used by the ancient Etruscans. His philosophy has been molded by ancient classical history, archaeology, modern aerospace technology, and the spiritual culture of Japan and China. Brush creates art with uncharted abandon and energy, yet imparts his creations with delicacy, intensity and intimacy. He is a fiercely reclusive artist. Working alone and by hand (nothing is cast), he transforms materials as diverse as bakelite, cold-rolled steel, pure gold and colored diamonds from the inert to the fluid, imbuing them with a timeless, yet personal sentiment. The range of work-- from charming jeweled animals in pink bakelite to room-size contemplative steel and aluminum sculptures -- leaves viewers humbled and mystified. Brush is undoubtedly one of the most inspiring artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
In 1998, Brush was honored with a retrospective at the Smithsonian Institution that, for the first time, gave the public an in depth look at this artist's thirty years of work. "Daniel Brush: Gold without Boundaries", a comprehensive monograph published by Harry N. Abrams concurrent with the opening of the exhibition, invites the reader to turn each page.
The public is afforded an exceedingly rare opportunity to have this selection of Daniel Brush works offered for sale at auction as less than a dozen have been offered prior. In the past, the work's appearance always created a sensation amongst collectors worldwide and there is no doubt that these objects will continue that tradition.
DANIEL BRUSH
A GOLD AND STEEL SCENT BOTTLE, BY DANIEL BRUSH
Details
A GOLD AND STEEL SCENT BOTTLE, BY DANIEL BRUSH
Of columnar design, the base of the bottle designed as a gold and steel mosaic orb, the carved steel neck decorated with gold foliate detail, topped with a rounded gold and steel mosaic twist-off cap, mounted in gold, 3 x 1¼ ins.
With maker's marks for Daniel Brush
Of columnar design, the base of the bottle designed as a gold and steel mosaic orb, the carved steel neck decorated with gold foliate detail, topped with a rounded gold and steel mosaic twist-off cap, mounted in gold, 3 x 1¼ ins.
With maker's marks for Daniel Brush
Brought to you by
Lisa Weston