UNLEASHED: FRESH MEET artist Dan Watson
UNLEASHED: FRESH MEET Dan Watson – Sunshine Coast – nominated by Megan Williams manager, University of Southern Queensland Art Gallery
Dan Watson’s hand forged knives and homewares are created in his home studio in Maleny. Each one unique, their beautiful patina and hand finished handles are individually crafted.
His aesthetic is influenced by his studies in Sociology, Creative Industries in Film and former employment building dry-stone walls as a track worker in Tasmania and with the indigenous community of Millingimbi Island. His desire is to create beautiful, hand-crafted artefacts, for a sustainable future. He first started making knives in winter in Tasmania, as a distraction from the cold, inspired by his love of cooking.
Self-taught, he is influenced by his artist partner and very creative social network. He is happy to have found his niche.
IMAGE CAPTION (main image): Set of knives, forged 1084 high carbon steel blades with red and brown mallee burl handles, and recycled brass details. The knives rest on the same timber that the handles are made from.
IMAGE CAPTION 1: Hand Forged Chef Knife, 2022. High carbon steel, black wattle and hairy oak handle.
IMAGE CAPTION 2: Wiltshire Rasp Blade (detail), 2022. Australian Wiltshire rasp, hairy oak handle, black wattle says knife sheath.
IMAGE CAPTION 3: Hand Forged Chef Knife (detail), 2022. High carbon steel, Tasmanian black wattle and composite handle.
