Bringing lively newness to weathered and worn found materials, artist and furniture designer Jim Rose mined scrap heaps and junkyards for the metal he used in his furniture, collages and decorative objects. He kept his eyes open for the ideal scraps of aged steel that could be bent and shaped into a base, frame or surface of his next piece, hand-picking off-colored bits to serve as inlays and accents.
Rose was long associated with the American Studio Craft movement, and many of his one-of-a-kind works can typically be characterized as a venturesome fusion of folk art and modernist design. Each piece, crafted by hand and with fastidious care in his Wisconsin studio, is representative of his work ethic and boundless imagination.
Born in Indiana, Rose studied briefly at Bard College in New York City and earned his BFA in sculpture from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1988. A couple of years earlier, he established his design studio, along with his wife Suzanne — an award-winning photographer — as his partner. During the 1990s, Rose and Suzanne traveled the American Northeast, where he became enamored with Shaker furniture.
When Rose returned home, he read every piece of literature he could about the history of the Shakers. The name derives from the popular moniker for an all-but-vanished American religious sect, whose members crafted honest, modest household furniture and objects as part of their belief in purposeful living and simplicity in all things. Rose incorporated Shaker methods into the production of his own designs. Rather than utilize the unpretentious hardwoods that the Shakers preferred, however, Rose worked with discarded materials, fashioning tables, case pieces and decorative objects from repurposed steel and other metals.
In the late 1990s, Rose began to include multi-colored metal into his works — adapting methods used by colonial quiltmakers. His furnishings began to take on a mosaic look, bringing a substantial amount of visual appeal and new charm to each of his distinctive creations. Rose also produced a body of work that drew on Ming dynasty designs.
With numerous showings at Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair in New York City and Chicago, Rose made a name for himself throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. He had solo and group exhibitions throughout his career, including in Palm Beach, Florida, and Mesa, Arizona — as well as at many other galleries in New York and Chicago. Rose’s work is held in the collections of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Mesa Contemporary Arts, Racine Art Museum and other institutions.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Jim Rose storage cabinets, tables, and decorative objects.
Jim Rose - Construct No. 05, Salvaged Steel and Aluminum Industrial Objects
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has welded together various metal pieces to...
Metal, Steel
Minimalist Modern Structure, Rusted Steel on Wood Block Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, found steel objects are welded together to ...
Metal, Steel
Bird Head No. 11, sterling silver bird with black glass eyes, Original Jim Rose
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Crafted in 1989 during his time at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, this Bird Head is a part of the early collection of the Jim Rose estate. The bird head itself is produc...
Sterling Silver
Found Object Sculpture - Collected Steel Assemblage No. 07 by Jim Rose
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Using entirely found and collected steel objects, this sculpture shows the beauty of repurposed steel. Meticulously crafted, artist Jim Rose was a master welder as well as artistic c...
Steel
Assemblage No. 08 - Found Object Minimalist Welded Steel Wall Sculpture
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Using entirely found and collected steel objects, this sculpture shows the beauty of repurposed steel. Meticulously crafted, artist Jim Rose was a master welder as well as artistic c...
Steel
Assemblage No. 10, Found Object Minimalist Welded Steel Wall Sculpture
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Using entirely found and collected steel objects, this sculpture shows the beauty of repurposed steel. Meticulously crafted, artist Jim Rose was a master welder as well as artistic c...
Steel
Abstract Sculpture by Jim Rose: Modern Design with Found Steel Objects
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Using entirely found and collected steel objects, this sculpture shows the beauty of repurposed steel. Meticulously crafted, artist Jim Rose was a master welder as well as artistic c...
Steel
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel Plate, Wooden Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of found steel is reworked whi...
Metal, Steel
Abstract Sculpture by Jim Rose, Found Steel Objects, Custom Base, New
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Using entirely found and collected steel objects, this sculpture shows the beauty of repurposed steel. Meticulously crafted, artist Jim Rose was a master welder as well as artistic c...
Steel
Objects No. 01 - Found & collected steel objects - Original Jim Rose sculpture
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Using entirely found and collected steel objects, this sculpture shows the beauty of repurposed steel. Meticulously crafted, artist Jim Rose was a master welder as well as artistic c...
Steel
Bird Head No. 6, Cast silver bird with black glass eyes, Original Jim Rose
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Crafted in 1989 during his time at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, this Bird Head is a part of the early collection of the Jim Rose estate. The bird head itself is produc...
Silver
Bird Head No. 2, Cast silver bird with black glass eyes, Original Jim Rose
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Crafted in 1989 during his time at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, this Bird Head is a part of the early collection of the Jim Rose estate. The bird head itself is produc...
Sterling Silver
Found Object Sculpture - Collected Steel Assemblage No. 05 by Jim Rose
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Using entirely found and collected steel objects, this sculpture shows the beauty of repurposed steel. Meticulously crafted, artist Jim Rose was a master welder as well as artistic c...
Steel
Found Object Sculpture - Collected Steel Assemblage by Jim Rose
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Using entirely found and collected steel objects, this sculpture shows the beauty of repurposed steel. Meticulously crafted, artist Jim Rose was a master welder as well as artistic c...
Steel
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure, Modern and Minimalist Sculpture
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Structure No. 244 reveals a quieter but essential strand of Jim Rose’s legacy—his ability to recognize expressive potential in the byproducts of making and to elevate remnants into resolved forms. Created from repurposed painted steel scraps generated during the construction of his quilt cabinets...
Metal, Steel
Jim Rose - Construct No. 02, Salvaged Steel and Aluminum Industrial Objects
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has welded together various washers and cyl...
Metal, Steel
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure, Modern and Minimalist Sculpture
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Structure No. 248 occupies an important place within Jim Rose’s legacy as a distilled, architectural meditation born directly from the material logic of his studio practice. Constructed from steel and aluminum found objects salvaged during the making of his quilt cabinets...
Metal, Steel
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel Plate, Wooden Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of found steel is reworked and...
Metal, Steel
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of spare parts come together ...
Metal, Steel
Jim Rose - Construct No. 03, Salvaged Steel and Aluminum Industrial Objects
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has welded together various washers, nuts, ...
Metal, Steel
Found and Salvaged Steel Industrial Objects on Wooden Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here, a beautifully rusted tobacco box, a steel egg...
Metal, Steel
Found and Salvaged Steel Structure on a Steel & Wooden Circular Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of spare parts come together ...
Metal, Steel
Minimalist Welded Steel Wall Sculpture by Jim Rose, 2011
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Using entirely found and collected steel objects, this sculpture shows the beauty of repurposed steel. Meticulously crafted, artist Jim Rose was a master welder as well as artistic c...
Steel
Found and Salvaged Steel Structure on a Wooden Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of spare parts come together ...
Metal, Steel
Unusual Gilt Metal Leopard, Formed of Welded Steel Washers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Very unusual sculpture of a leopard, painstakingly formed by welding stock steel washers into its exquisite seated pose, having a gilded finish. ...
Steel
Folk Art Carved and Painted Owl Decoy, USA, 1900's
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Folk Art carved and painted owl decoy, USA 1900's A decorative barn owl carving decoy Original paint with even wear. Mounted over a new iron stand. We have...
Wood
Letterpress Wood Block Sculpture
Located in East Hampton, NY
Antique letterpress printers wood block sculpture.
Wood
$150
H 7.5 in W 4 in D 6.5 in
Athena on Her Chariot Ancient Greek Style Mid-Century Modern Horse Sculpture
By Frederic Weinberg
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A striking Mid-Century Modern sculpture executed in the Greek Revival taste, depicting Athena riding a stylized horse-drawn chariot accompanied by her symbolic owl. Rendered with pronounced Etruscan and Brutalist influences, the piece embodies the sculptural abstraction and mythological romanticism that defined a wave of sophisticated decorative arts produced during the mid-20th century. Executed in patinated cast metal with a rich verdigris finish, the sculpture evokes the appearance of an excavated antiquity while maintaining the clean linearity and expressive geometry associated with Mid-Century Modern design. The elongated horse forms, angular chariot construction, and primitive-classical composition strongly recall the work of Frederick Weinberg and related Raymor-era designers, blending ancient Mediterranean inspiration with modernist decorative sensibilities. Dramatic from every angle, this highly decorative object functions equally well as a bookshelf sculpture...
Bronze
Pair of 1950s Carved Horns with Dragon Motif on Wood Base
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Pair of 1950s carved horns with dragon motif on wood base. They are a definite statement piece.
Horn, Wood
$1,250
H 37 in W 19 in D 30.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Abstract Art Deco Table or Floor Sculpture in Mixed Woods
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A funky solid wood sculpture circa 1970's. It features solid ebonized & natural oak.
Wood
$146Sale Price|39% Off
H 11.03 in W 8.27 in D 5.91 in
Original Vintage Mid-Century German Modern Black Glass Head, 1970s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This large glass head was produced in Germany during the 1970s. It is made of black, thick glass. It has a neat form and deep color saturation. The head works well as a decoration or...
Glass
$1,324
H 8.25 in W 13.5 in D 4.5 in
Early 20th Century Hand-Carved Lion Sculpture Statue on Base, King of the Jungle
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and decorative sculpture of the biggest of the big cats. Thankfully, in most countries it is not allowed to keep a lion at home. This quality carved lion therefore is the best chance of being able to enjoy one from up close. This lion sculpture with its beautiful manes and muscular tone is very well and realistically carved and thanks to the wonderful patina it also comes close to a lions true colors. This majestic, powerful and well fed king of the jungle...
Wood
Sterling Silver Rose
By Fratelli Lisi
Located in Milan, IT
At once symbolic and ornamental, the deft workmanship of the Florentine silversmith workshop Lisi Brothers achieves a life-likeness in this elegant sterling silver rose. The flower i...
Silver
Swiss Black Forest Carved Wood Owl With Glass Eyes, Early 1900s
Located in London, GB
A delightful decorative carved wood owl. This finely hand carved Black Forest owl sculpture demonstrates incredible workmanship and attention to detail, along with his/her beautiful...
Wood
$2,200 / set
H 43.5 in W 14 in D 3 in
Collection of 3 Found Object Antique Clock Hand Sculptures on Stands
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A wonderful rare set of antique clock hands that have been mounted on custom stands to make a fascinating collection of 3 original found objects sc...
Metal
$295
H 3.5 in W 6 in D 3.25 in
Murano Glass Bird by Oball, Italy, Clear Cased Silver Leaf, Original Label
By Atelier Oball
Located in Warrenton, OR
Murano Glass Bird by Oball, Italy, Clear Cased Silver Leaf, Original Label. ***NOTE: Our 1stDibs store is closing end May and items will not be available thereafter.*** This is a lov...
Silver Leaf
Sold
H 28.5 in W 12 in D 12.75 in
Found Object Sculpture - Collected Steel Assemblage No. 3 by Jim Rose
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Using entirely found and collected steel objects, this sculpture shows the beauty of repurposed steel. Meticulously crafted, artist Jim Rose was a master welder as well as artistic c...
Steel
Sold
H 6.5 in W 8 in D 3 in
House Sculpture, Minimalist Modern Structure, Rusted Steel Wedge on Wood Blocks
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, found steel objects are welded together to ...
Metal, Steel
Sold
H 6.75 in Dm 4 in
Jim Rose - Wire Dog, Repurposed Heavy Wire Dog Sculpture, Cylindrical Metal Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has taken heavy gauge wire and formed it into a simple dog and placed it upon a salvaged steel cylinder. These repurposed items combine to form this small simple sculpture that will sure to bring a smile to its owner. Jim Rose Objects No. 04 Found and Collected Objects 6.50h x 6w x 10.50d in 16.51h x 15.24w x 26.67d cm JR0291 Jim Rose b. 1966, d. 2023 Bio Born in Indiana, Jim Rose lived in Europe until he returned to the United States to attend college. After one year at Bard College, Jim transferred to the School of the Art Institute in Chicago (SAIC) where he graduated in 1988 with a BFA. His skillful interpretation of the Shaker design is a result of intense research and field study of Shaker furniture, architecture, culture and history. After over two decades of dedicated work, he has mastered the minimalism of the Shaker technique and created his own unique visual vernacular. The quilts of Gee's Bend have become a monumental influence taking this artist's work to new levels of unique interpretation and artistry. His selection of aged steel results in a patina directly related to that of aged wood while his colored strips beautifully mimic worn cloth. Each piece of furniture is masterfully made and intended for daily use. Jim Rose’s steel furniture is featured every year at SOFA Chicago for the past 25 years. Jim Rose b. 1966, Wisconsin Education 1989 B.F.A., Sculpture, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, IL 1988 Student at Large, Welding Technology, Triton College, Chicago, IL 1985 Undergraduate Photography Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York Awards 2008 Wisconsin Arts Board Fellowship Award, Madison, WI. 2005 Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize, Society for Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, PA 2003 Grant Recipient for Shaker Interpretations in Cast Iron, PA Arts Assoc / WI Arts Board 2003 Arts/Industry Residency Program for Visual Artists, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, Wisconsin Solo Exhibitions 2023 Jim Rose CODA, Gallery Victor, Chicago, IL 2020 Unseen, Gallery Victor Armendariz, Chicago, IL 2017 New Work, Tory Folliard Gallery, Milwaukee, WI 2012 Simply Steel, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, WI 2007 Variation, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2003 New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2001 Shaker in Steel / New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2000 Shaker in Steel / New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 1999 Hands and Heart to Steel III, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL National Exhibitions 2023 Intersect Palm Springs, Gallery Victor, Palm Springs, CA 2018 SOFA Chicago 2018, Gallery Victor Armendariz, Chicago, IL Art Market Hamptons, Gallery Victor Armendariz, Bridgehampton, NY Art on Paper, Gallery Victor, Metropolitan Pavilion, New York, NY 2017 - 2019 SOFA Chicago – Gallery Victor Armendariz 2016 - 1995 SOFA Chicago, New York, Palm Beach - Ann Nathan Gallery 2011 - 2002 Art Chicago - Ann Nathan Gallery Group Exhibitions 2017 Coming Attractions: Inaugural Exhibition, Gallery Victor Armendariz, Chicago, IL 2017 Living with Art: The Newman Collection, 108 Contemporary, Tulsa, Oklahoma 2016 Form Follows Function: The Intersection of Art and Craft, The Hardy Gallery, Ephraim, Wi 2015 NEO, Chipstone Foundation, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI 2015 ICFF, Furniture Society, Javits Convention Center, New York City, NY 2013 Vahki Revisited, The Enduring Spirit of a Craft Collection” Mesa Contemporary Arts, Mesa, AZ 2013 Fearless Furniture, Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN 2013 Inaugural Exhibition, Museum Wisconsin of Art, West Bend, WI 2012 Sitting Pretty: Furniture from RAM’s Collection, Racine Art Museum, WI 2011 Hiding Places: Memory in the Arts, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, WI 2010 Living with Art, Strohl Art Center, Chautauqua Institution, NY 2009 Summer in Wisconsin, Tory Folliard Gallery, Milwaukee, WI 2009 High Honors, James Watrous Gallery, Madison, WI 2008 Second Lives: Remixing the Ordinary, Museum of Art and Design, NY 2007 Transformation 5: Contemporary Works in Found Materials, Art Association, Jackson, WY 2007 Transformation 5: Contemporary Works in Found Materials, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Houston, TX (traveling exhibition) 2006 Show us Your Drawers, Herron School of Art, Indianapolis, IN 2006 Marriage of the Minds...
Metal, Steel
Found and Salvaged Steel with Wooden Industrial Objects
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here, a beautifully rusted wheel and a small wedge ...
Metal, Steel