Michael Aram is really into heavy metal — the stainless-steel, brass and gold kind, that is. Aram (pronounced uh-RAHM) started in NYC as an artist, but discovered metalworking on a visit to India in the 1980s. Best known for his decorative tabletop items, he’s celebrating 25 years as a designer with the unveiling of his anniversary collection. We spoke with him about his influences, his multiple homes and how to create a one-of-a-kind tablescape.
Tell us about the 25th anniversary collection.
There are actually two collections: For the Commemorative collection, I chose 25 pieces from the past 25 years, picking things from my archive that I’m particularly fond of, or that were important to me or that are iconic. It’s really kind of a mini-retrospective of my work. The other is a group of 12 sculptures, called the Atelier Collection, that were created in my workshop in India by craftsmen who’ve been with me since the beginning. It’s very unlike the rest of my work: Purely sculptural … and more tied my early artist side. [The sculptures are on view at Bloomingdale’s, and at Aram’s flagship store at 136 W. 18th St. through the end of the month.] You split your time among NYC, the Hamptons and India; how are your three homes designed?
I think the thing about different homes is you are in different moods when you’re in each of them. My home in Delhi is a British Colonial-era home — a very antique, warm-feeling home which I have filled with incredible objects. For me, it’s a creative space where I like to have a lot of objects around me — books, antiques, carpets from Turkey. It’s completely unlike my New York home, which I keep very simple with almost no color; it needs to be a blank canvas, an urban refuge, because there’s so much going on in the city. In the Hamptons, it’s the opposite: light, bright, with lots of color — a happy, joyful, exuberant space.
The natural world is a huge inspiration for your designs. What are some places that have influenced you?
I do love to travel, and fortunately I get to travel quite a lot. I studied in Florence in college, so Italy is always a place I go: My Lemonwood collection was inspired by Sorrento. I also find the sea inspiring, so I love Maine and the Hamptons, where I have a place. When I’m in India, I love Goa; it’s a great combination of dense jungle and beautiful beach.
Much of your work is decorative, but are there pieces that can be used when entertaining?
One of the reasons I love working in metal is that it’s designed to be used — and abused. After all, when you drop a piece of metal, the only thing that might break is your toe. My New Leaves collection, leaf shapes plated in brass or gold, are covered in clear enamel, so you can use them, wash them — they can be purely decorative or you can serve food in them. The Butterfly Ginkgo collection is über-decorative, but at the core, they are stainless-steel bowls that people shouldn’t be afraid to use.
What are some key things one can do to spruce up a tablescape?
Because I like nature, I collect things from the natural world and put them on display — a swordfish spear from Uruguay, a beach shell from Anguilla. And candles are an easy way to spruce up any kind of table — use votive candles, but put them in unlikely containers; I put them in old crystal tumblers that belonged to my grandmother. Use what you have at hand but use pieces in different ways — like putting baguettes in a tall vase. Let yourself think outside the box.
In what countries do you enjoy shopping?
In Portugal, I love finding old porcelain tiles and Ecclesiastical art. In India, the hippie flea markets are great for jewelry, and I go to sari shops — but for my curtains. I’m also forever searching out antiques everywhere I go — that sense of heirloom, of passing down, is wonderful.