We had the good fortune of connecting with Doug Cannell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Doug, why did you pursue a creative career?
I find that creative pursuits benefit me as a person. When I make a sculpture it forces me to visually articulate my thoughts and feelings, and through that process I get to know myself better. Over the years, I have figured out ways to make that creativity flow better, and to steer the creative process to produce curious and beautiful objects that hopefully inspire or connect with the viewer.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
From my studio in a refurbished factory in Highland Park, I use commercial materials like lumber and steel to create sculpture that contrasts the organic with the industrial, precision with imperfection. Despite a variety of approaches and materials, an aesthetic throughline is present in my practice which blurs the lines between art, craft and design. My goal is to create sculpture that speaks to people on a visceral level.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend was visiting, I would be sure to take them to do a few loops around Belle Isle on a bicycle followed by a cool-down swim in the Detroit River. A tour of some great Midtown art galleries like Galerie Camille, N’namdi, Matéria and Detroit Artists Market. Lunch would be at Ima or Baobab Fare. Then a walk around Eastern Market to shop and look at amazing murals. Dinner at Flowers of Vietnam, followed by live jazz at Cliff Bell’s. That’s a good day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to the Detroit art community – the galleries, the studios, and most of all the artists. Many cities have a sense of competition among creatives, but Detroit has a culture where people are supportive of each other, generous with their time and energy, and always willing to share resources and information.

Website: dougcannell.com

Instagram: @dougcannell

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