PHILOSOPHY
Damon James was raised on the Monterey Peninsula. At age 14, Damon was introduced to blacksmithing when he met renowned American blacksmith Francis Whitaker. In his early 20s, after an apprenticeship, Damon opened his first studio—Iron Age—to create architectural metalwork for luxury homes and resorts on the West Coast of the United States. In 2018, Damon founded Doud Studios to create remarkable, collectible design pieces that celebrate the life and times we share together.
Every family cherishes its own memories of times gathered together around a table with friends, telling stories, sharing meals and laughter. Art has a tangible impact on our lives. “So much of life happens around a table,” says Damon James, fine art furniture maker. “We build original, individual pieces—not unlike a piece of fine ceramics, clothing, or jewelry.” A Damon James design inspires a legacy of functional art. The Damon James “one-of-one” mark, stamped on each piece, is a symbol of his commitment to making work that is truly distinctive.
PROCESS
Each piece of functional art is created incorporating traditional forging techniques. The untreated bronze surfaces are alive and invite you to become part of the design through traces in the patina. The unshakable mass of each piece of furniture informs the substance of the design. Forged steel and bronze elements are unique to each individual piece of contemporary furniture and lighting, making each piece extraordinary.