Simple yet elegant forms characterize the work of
designer/craftsman, Damian Velásquez. Damian’s design
sense is inspired by the materials with which he works:
steel, wood, glass. He transforms raw steel into a refined,
subtle component of his designs, adding vibrantly hued dyed
wood or sandblasted glass to create striking objects for
the home. His work emanates a clean, classic style that
derives from his interest in, among other inspirations,
mid-century design.
Damian has been designing since he was eleven, when his
father taught him to work with sterling silver. He created
many striking yet simple jewelry pieces for friends of his
family. That was only the beginning. Damian continued to
make jewelry through high school and began experimenting
with other materials in college. Acrylic sculptures and
wooden futon frames kept him busy while he earned a
Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish at the University of New
Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After college, Damian
taught himself to cut and weld metal and began building
pieces for his friends.
His designs have evolved from stark, geometric, all-steel
forms to fluid pieces that often combine steel with copper,
dyed wood and sandblasted glass. He designs and builds each
piece with an aesthetic quality that never sacrifices fine
craftsmanship. Several of his pieces have been added to the
permanent collections of the Albuquerque Museum and the
National Hispanic Cultural Center Art Museum.
“As I look back on my sixteen years of building
furniture I have only now realized that being able to
switch between metal and wood, and other materials is the
very unique trait that makes my furniture very different
from all other furniture. When I look at my current work I
am inspired to keep exploring and creating simple yet
functional furniture designs that continue to place an
emphasis on design and quality blended with
function.”