Daufuskie Island Art - Metal sculptures by Chase Allen

On remote Daufuskie Island, midway between Hilton Head, SC and Savannah, GA, acclaimed folk artist and fishing enthusiast Chase Allen is playing with fire. Combining welding, blacksmithing and self-invented techniques, Chase creates unique metal sculptures that capture the beauty of true island life. His front porch is his gallery. His backyard is his studio. And his hand-forged, hand-signed interior design pieces are true collector's items.

Visitors and art collectors will find Chase’s gallery, The Iron Fish, formerly known as The Rusted Lava Art Shop, along a secluded dirt road in a maritime forest. At this charming Daufuskie landmark, visitors can watch the self-taught artist at work and choose their own object d’art to take home. If Chase is gone fishing, payment goes in the "honor box" on the verandah of his historic Gullah cottage.

Now available online, Chase’s limited edition, iron fish art metal sculptures make perfect gifts for fishing enthusiasts, art connoisseurs—and anyone who needs a reminder to sit back and enjoy the simple life. Cold-forged, torch cut and wire welded with an antique painted finish, these classic works of art arrive cleverly packaged like fresh-caught fish.

Chase Allen was featured in the April 2006 issue of Coastal Living Magazine. This eccentric metal worker is one of the most sought-out members of the Daufuskie Island artisan community.

Where is Daufuskie Island, South Carolina?

For those who do not realize where Daufuskie Island is located, glance upon a map of the east coast and you will notice a small island nestled between Savannah Georgia and Hilton Head South Carolina. You have located Daufuskie Island which is only accessible by boat due to the fact that there is no bridge connecting it to the "mainland". Thousands of people visit the island and "The Iron Fish" each year and each visitor originates from either Savannah or Hilton Head and ferries over to Daufuskie for a leisure day of golf cart exploring, history, spa treatments, culture, and of course, the arts. Every now and again Daufuskie will even receive visitors from Beaufort and Charleston SC whom have floated in on a private boat by means of the Intra Coastal waterway.

Visiting the Historic District of Daufuskie is similar to visiting rural islands of the Caribbean. Without the presence of a bridge, most people living on Daufuskie adopt a slow paced simple life. While visiting the island, you will likely notice the complete lack of commercial development, paved & crowded roads, traffic lights, and over crowded beaches. You will also notice an abundance of history, art, nature, and a very eclectic culture. If you ever get the chance to visit Daufuskie, you might float away with a different perspective on life in the United States. This island may be the only place in the continental US that offers both a country and beach setting.

Adjacent to the Historic District lies The Daufuskie Island Resort & Spa which is also the only hotel accommodations on the island. For more information about visiting Daufuskie, visit http://www.daufuskieislandresort.com/

If you are interested in visiting for the day, Outside Hilton Head offers a professionally guided tour of Daufuskie which lead guests to the various artistic talents on the island as well as to the majority of historical land marks. If interested, simply visit http://www.outsidehiltonhead.com/