Dick Davis

Dick has worked with leather for over 40 years and started incorporating wood and metal into his works over 15 years ago. He does not consider himself a traditional blacksmith, as he often uses independent and unorthodox methods, much as the earliest blacksmiths were known for. Dick fabricates his pieces using many “product specific,” homemade tools… made especially to heat and bend metal in a particular way for a particular item.
By using leather, wood, metal and stone, Dick feels a comforting affinity and attachment to a part of our American heritage, and believes that creating objects out of these materials is historically important. He relishes the fact that the metal ores and stones come from the Great Lakes areas (mostly Michigan), and by incorporating such basic materials into his work he can create items that last and last. “We need metal in our lives. It is an amazing byproduct of our environment.” He enjoys blending materials, which makes his items more individualistic.
Dick is an energetic and versatile artist, always eager to create something different, which adds to his own enthusiasm for his work. The resulting pieces, ranging from leather bracelets, vases, knives and sculptures to yard art and furniture, are beautifully crafted items for functional and decorative purposes.