Chase Allen - Daufuskie Island's Iron Fish Sculptor

Most of us dream of retiring to a remote island. Metal sculptor Chase Allen already lives that dream. Once a real estate agent with a degree in marketing, this bright young artisan took a risk and went after what he really wanted: the simple life. In November of 2001, Chase traded in the boardroom for an open air studio on rural Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, where, amidst a shower of birdsong and fiery sparks, he forges colorful metal aquatic sculptures that are as unique and rustic as his historic island home.

Situated along a dirt road deep in Daufuskie's maritime forest, Chase Allen's shop, The Iron Fish Gallery & Studio, is a treasured local landmark. Visitors will find a yard filled with handmade metal sculptures and a historic Gullah constructed house covered in classically painted iron fish sculptures. More often than not, they'll also find the self-taught artist himself, hammering, cutting, forging and welding under the shade of a moss-draped oak.

Part of the charm of this Gallery is in the way Chase operates his business. Over the years, Chase observed that when people had questions or wanted him to wrap or ship a sculpture, they would simply ask. Expect a polite acknowledgment and then plenty of time alone to decide on what to take home. If you would like the artists opinion, so long as Chase is around, he is always willing to put in his two cents.

Chase chooses to leave visitors alone while they are shopping at his gallery because he never wants anyone to feel pressured. This artisan feels strongly that art should sell itself. His reasoning is that if the artwork speaks to you or makes you feel something good, that is all someone needs to make a decision to decorate their own homes with his aquatic designs.

Another charming part of how he operates his island gallery is if he's working in his backyard studio or getting supplies on the mainland, a sign on the porch directs gallery visitors to take what they want and leave the money in the "honor box", also known as "slip a check under the door". Don't fret if you have forgotten your check book or cash because if you sign in to the Guest Log, Chase will call you for a credit card number after he returns.

Now, shoppers like yourself visiting www.ironfishart.com can find the same creative tokens of island life online–but with a slightly more modern payment platform. These signature handmade aquatic decorative sculptures come individually stamped, signed, dated and cleverly gift-wrapped in market paper for guaranteed freshness. Not to worry, interior design tips are included. Ideal gifts for any occasion, these iron fish sculptures are more than works of art; they're mementos of the simple life–flown in fresh from an island untouched by time.