The Art-in-Metal-Mediums-Movement: Marc Staples on Elevating Fine Craft as Art
By: William Grece, Senior Art Reviewer, Los Angeles
A Craft No Longer
For too long, metal has been viewed through the narrow lens of fabrication and utility, despite its profound historical significance. While mediums like glass and woodworking have enjoyed a dramatic renaissance in recent decades, achieving prestigious status in the fine art world, the overarching potential of metal—be it bronze, copper, or steel—remains unjustly underestimated. Marc Staples, through his defining personal philosophy and the guiding spirit of Lago Luna Studio, is now initiating a necessary and overdue paradigm shift: The Art-in-Metal-Mediums-Movement. This is not merely an elevation of traditional craft; it is an assertion that metal is an equal to any medium in conveying complex artistic thought.
Marc Staples' Philosophy: Metal as a Sculptural Medium
Staples’ core belief is both simple and revolutionary: every metal—from the inherent strength of raw steel to the refined beauty of patinaed bronze—is fundamentally a primary sculptural medium. It deserves the exact same artistic dedication and high-level focus traditionally reserved for painting or stone carving. This movement seeks to liberate metalwork from the confines of simple function, recognizing its immense capacity for deeply expressive, large-scale, and intricate artistic statements. The objective is clear: to utilize metal's structural and aesthetic qualities to create objet d'art that push boundaries and demand critical attention.
Lago Luna Studio: Transforming Lives Through Fine Craft
The philosophical drive of Marc Staples is realized through the tangible work of Lago Luna Studio. Their mission is driven by a powerful conviction: that true artistry, realized through fine crafts, holds the power to transform the human experience. The Studio aims to seamlessly weave beauty into daily life, operating on the principle that surrounding oneself with inspiring objects fosters creativity, uplifts the spirit, and promotes genuine well-being. By integrating finely crafted metal art into everyday and architectural environments, Lago Luna is fulfilling its promise: creating art that stimulates the mind and brings enduring joy to all.
The Beauty of Irregularity: Honoring Time-Honored Craftsmanship
A crucial counterpoint to the current industrial age is Lago Luna Studio's commitment to verifiable craftsmanship. The pieces created are not merely products; they are the result of time-honored techniques handed down through generations. These items celebrate the subtle, inimitable irregularities and the rich depth of hand-applied patina finishes. These characteristics are the unmistakable signatures of human effort—a small, eloquent testament that this work stands in direct contrast to the uniformity and cold efficiency of the modern assembly line.
Reflections of the Future: The Everlasting Metal Medium
The Art-in-Metal-Mediums-Movement, as championed by Marc Staples and Lago Luna Studio, is not just a reaction, but a visionary declaration. By demanding that metal be valued for its inherent artistic potential and sculptural integrity, the movement firmly establishes a new foundation for the future of fine art. This foundation is built on beautiful, handcrafted metalwork that transforms our environments, nurtures our inner lives, and secures the lasting, irreplaceable legacy of personalized, masterful craftsmanship.
