Defy Domestication

Published in FREE Magazine Issue 11 

Michael McHale

A thirst for aesthetic value has elevated contemporary man from the conventional driving forces of possessions based upon power, status, and functionality.  Of all the things we come obtain, our homes are the most direct extension of ourselves.  Fortunately, there is burgeoning population of artists who create with the sensibilities of the sophisticated man in mind.  Renowned sculpture Michael McHale is one such pioneering artist, aiming to bring elegance and simplicity into into the male domain with his signature crystallized Chandeliers.  The light fitting, composed of hand-crafted crystal sculptures, offers the unparalleled originality of a master artisan.  Given the versatility of the sophisticated man, McHale creates pieces that defy the traditionally rigid function of a Chandelier.  His designs suit places you may not typically expect to find such luxurious fixtures, such as hanging above pool tables, banquet tables, and even in outdoor settings.  One of the greatest attributes of his work, however, may be the social consciousness that goes into the creation.  McHale uses repurposed and reclaimed materials whenever possible, giving these creations a hint of the qualities of ‘found’ art. More importantly, the eco-friendly lighting sculptures are never mass produced and emit low emissions.  And as for the occasional bra hanging from a Michael McHale Chandelier; well, no amount of sophistication will remove us from our primal urges.  To explore the Michael McHale Gallery and find the perfect work of art for your home, visit MichaelMcHaleDesigns.com

Damjan Popovac

Even with our appreciation for the visually appealing, functionality will always remain a draw for the affluent male.   Damjan Popovac’s Men’s Room collection satisfies these desires with a perfect blending of form and function.  Damjan insists that, “Men’s Room is a collection of objects for the contemporary man. It opens the door to a man’s higher position in the society of men and therefore increases his masculinity.”  The innovation of the condom box serves as a prime example of Popovac’s philosophy.  No longer will such a valuable tool of birth control and disease prevention be banished to the night stand drawer; in Damjan’s Men’s Room the condom is displayed elegantly in a hand carved, cherry wood box.  The lid is fitted with a circular hole used for opening the box, which subtly works to initiate thoughts of what is to come when you reach for your trusted protection.  The condom boxes come in two forms targeted at two specific subjects, the single man and the married man.  Whether it’s his sense of humor shining through or a saddening social commentary on the institute of marriage, the box designed for the married man offers 12 slots (one condom\for each months of the year) while the single box has 7 slots (one condom for each day of the week).  Each label comes on 18k gold plates to enhance the sense of luxury.  Beyond bringing functional art into a man’s home, Popovac also strives to break social stigmas as he describes each of his pieces – ranging from an ornate wooden sculpture that functions as a closet mannequin to his stylish cigar boxes – as jewelry for men.  To view Damjan Popovac’s complete Men’s Room collection, visit DamjanPopovac.com.      .