Marc Staples and the Art of the Wind Bell
By: Carol Gibson. LA Times Contributor
Reprinted from LagoLuna.com on August 17, 2025
In the world of metal art, where tradition often dictates form, Marc Staples is carving a new path. His work challenges conventional notions of what metalwork can be, transforming raw material into objects that don't just occupy a space—they fill it with beauty, sound, and a sense of history. Staples dismisses the old argument that craft is not art, proving with every piece that the two are not just compatible, but can be a powerful union.
The Mission Windbells: A New Perspective on an Ancient Symbol
Staples's Mission Wind Bell series is a prime example of his philosophy in action. The history of missions in the Americas is complex, marked by both religious inspiration and a difficult legacy for Native American populations. Staples, however, chooses to focus on a different aspect: the missions as centers of community, aesthetic beauty, and a powerful sense of hope. His bells, inspired by these ancient structures, are more than just decorative objects; they are a tribute to harmony, a hope for cultural understanding, and a symbol of timeless beauty.
When you engage with one of Staples's bells, you're not just looking at it—you're listening. The sound becomes a gateway, transporting you back in time and inviting you to experience the world in a new way. For Staples, the relationship between sound, sight, and spirit is essential.
A Fusion of Disciplines: Music, Color, and Metal
Staples’s artistic vision is deeply rooted in his life experiences. His early years as a musician were one of his greatest teachers, instilling in him a deep understanding of rhythm and harmony. This musical sensibility is evident in his metalwork, particularly in his use of color. He believes that harmonious colors correspond to harmonious sounds, creating a beautiful dialogue between visual art and music.
Marc approaches metal with the soul of a painter. He uses a vibrant, painterly style to color the surfaces of his work, transforming the cold, hard medium into something expressive and alive. His abstract forms and vibrant palettes often take inspiration from nature, yet they speak in a completely unique language—a synthesis of modernist abstraction and postmodern ideas.
The Power to Transform
Marc Staples is a driven artist who embraces the 10,000-year history of metalworking, not to replicate it, but to transform it. He uses his hands-on approach and attention to detail not to merely create a perfect object, but to imbue it with a sense of wonder and joy. His work, whether a towering sculpture or an intricate wind bell, is designed to enhance our daily lives and surroundings.
From the dawn of human history, cultures have worshipped sound as a call to action—a way to connect with the divine, with others, and with oneself. Staples's work channels this ancient power. The decorative and auditory properties of his art have the ability to alter consciousness, to lift the spirit and envelop the senses. His pieces are not just art or craft; they are a testament to the idea that beauty, joy, and meaning can be found in the unexpected places of our daily lives.
Marc Staples's work can be found at the Lago Luna Metal Art Studio and Gallery in Buffalo Junction, Virginia. Or shop online at Lago Luna Originals for affordable luxury art
