Silas Seandel Fountain, 1960s

Silas Seandel creates captivating works in metal that range from sculptural tables in sumptuous living rooms to abstract sculptures that adorn the walls of hotel lobbies and museums. His brutalist and modernist pieces have a sensuous appeal. Working primarily with two methods — welded sheet metal and metal casting — his one-of-a-kind copper, bronze, brass and steel pieces evoke flowing movement.

Born in New York City in 1937, Seandel enjoyed working with his hands at a young age, often modeling with clay and creating kinetic mobiles. He was particularly drawn to the work of Alexander Calder. He graduated in 1959 from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics. He then enrolled in business school and studied law. 

While exploring the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia, he wandered into its “Sculptors of the 1950s” exhibit, which included works by Richard Stankiewicz, John Chamberlain and Jason Seley. Their metal art subsequently inspired a shift in his career. Seandel taught himself to weld from a how-to book and opened his first studio in 1963. 

To support his income, he worked in the furniture department at B. Altman & Co. He would talk about metal sculpting with the designers who frequented the floor. One who was refurbishing the dining room of a country club commissioned Seandel to create a wall sculpture that resulted in acclaim for the artist. Since that first commission, he has worked almost exclusively with engineers, interior designers and architects.

Seandel witnessed the September 11, 2001, attacks from his New York City studio; what he saw influenced many of his works. In 2012, the designer’s studio was damaged in the storm surge of Hurricane Sandy. Water is now a recurring theme in his pieces. 

On 1stDibs, find Silas Seandel’s tables, wall decorations, decorative objects and more.