Works of art can happen everyday. This proves true for Powell Sculpture Studio, an Orlando-based team of artisans working together to create stunning art installations. Lake Nona native Dillon Powell is the owner of Powell Sculpture Studio and our featured June artist. Get to know him and the origin of his artistry in the interview below.
Nonahood News: What drove you to become an artist?
Dillon Powell: My father worked at Disney World as a staff photographer for 15 years. This gave me the opportunity to explore the parks anytime, and very often. From a young age, I learned the inside story about the ART of Walt Disney and the surrounding Central Florida theme parks, including books, movies, music, and entertainment.
NHN: When did you realize creating art was your passion?
DP: I have always had an incessant need to create. Drawing in art class as a child led me to earning a BFA in fine art from the State University of New York at Oswego. After graduation, a brief job search landed me in the pipe welding and fabrication industry. Although it took a few years, I was eager to find something that let me utilize my creative drive. This search led me to being a production manager at Phillip Anthony Fine Art Studios, where I was able to work directly with fine art galleries and artists across the country.
NHN: How often do you find yourself creating art, whether it be drawings, sculptures, etc.?
DP: With the recent opening of the Powell Sculpture Studio, I’m either managing, designing or fabricating artistic endeavors at any moment every day. Many of our larger architectural installations would not be possible without the collaborative efforts from our team of craftsmen, technical designers, and artisans whose strengths include structural security, prefab production, special effects lighting, and faux finishing techniques to create complex, three-dimensional installations.
NHN: How long did it take you to discover yourself as an artist?
DP: With over 15 years of experience in all facets of metal fabrication and fine art production, it wasn’t until I started displaying my own sculptures in these same spaces that I discovered I could make a living creating artwork of my own. It still surprises me that both private collectors and commercial brands commission me to produce sculptures for their homes and public spaces.
NHN: Which of your projects would you consider to be your favorites?
DP: My current sea life collection is the most exciting body of work that I’ve taken on to date. I become obsessed with every detail on every tentacle, fin, and even the number of scales when it comes to specific species of fish. Hours and days fly by, and nothing else seems to matter.
NHN: Which of your projects were the most challenging and why?
DP: Starting a sculpture studio of my own comes with constant challenges. I am striving everyday to take on more challenging architectural installations while finishing collector commissions. Finding the right creative staff is going to be my most challenging and exciting endeavor.
NHN: What are some of your dream projects?
DP: I have a long list of sculptures I will eventually get to. Being commissioned to create an oversized public sculpture of any subject would be a true dream project.
NHN: What serves as your inspiration on a day-to-day basis?
DP: Each day, I am inspired by many small things. Whether it be a sculpture in the middle of a city square or my daughter asking me what color I am painting my newest seahorse, I find a reason everyday to be inspired.
NHN: Future goals/plans?
DP: My future plans are to expand my collection to other galleries across the country.
Follow Dillon Powell and Powell Sculpture Studio @PowellSculptureStudio on Instagram and Facebook. You can also visit Powell Sculpture Studio’s website at https://www.powellsculpturestudio.com.
Photos Courtesy of Powell Sculpture Studio
