In the 10 years that I've worked with him, Armand has made many metal bases to display my artwork. Armand is a truly gifted and talented craftsman, and he's a far better designer than he gives himself credit for. He's a great problem solver, and he's consistent and dependable, as well. He's a true professional and a pleasure to work with.
I've been doing interior design work for over 45 years, and I've never met anybody who can do what Armand has done. He has made me look very good to my clients. Armand has crafted everything from stairwells to decorative hardware to lighting and more for clients of mine in Panama and throughout the U.S., including Portland, Maine; Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; Houston; Atlanta; Dallas; and Los Angeles.
He did a big, ornate, outside double door for one of my clients in Houston, and it was so amazing that people driving down the road would actually stop to look at it. He's very flexible and open to unusual projects. For one of my clients in California, I found a large, antique gaming wheel, the kind with little clickers around it that people would spin for prizes. The client wanted it to hang over the pool table in his gaming room, so Armand restored it and made a bracket to hang it from the wall. It was a beautiful piece when he was finished with it.
Working with him, I get things that are one of a kind, and my clients are thrilled. He's an incredible artisan who has always exceeded expectations. Though he works in a medium that seems so difficult to work with, he manages to beautifully capture fine nuances and details in a way that perfectly matches what I see in my mind's eye. He's a pleasure to work with, explaining what can be done with metal and what can't be done, and all the different finishes that he can do.
I can't say enough good things. I really treasure the partnership we've had, and that won't change, even though I've recently moved from Tennessee to Houston. I see the relationship continuing because he's wonderful to work with. He never ceases to amaze me. He's still the one I'll go to when I need anything in iron.
After building the columns for a gateway to the gazebo, I commissioned Armand to make a wrought-iron gate. Armand measured the opening, constructed the gate and installed it. It has the aesthetic qualities I desired, and it has worked well for several years.
I got the idea for the gate after seeing a similar gate built by Armand in his sister's art gallery. He was able to custom make our gate by measuring the opening between the columns at my house.
Our daughter was married in our backyard and chose a setting with the gate as a backdrop. Many guests commented on the gate the day she was married. The columns and gate are highlighted in the view from our wide kitchen glass doors. Many guests have also complimented the gate while standing in our kitchen.
On several occasions I've had the opportunity to commission Armand to do work for me. I have always been impressed with his ability, creativeness, and eye for detail.
I had the good fortune to be introduced to his work through some friends who have used him for extensive work...from gates, to hinges, whether refined or done in rustic style, or furniture to life size roses, Armand has the ability to bring the customers vision to life.
I couldn't recommend him more highly.
He's a true Artisan.
Art Vincent
Cedar Ridge Leather Works
Nashville, TN
Friends Links
Here are some of the blacksmithing resources I enjoy, artists I admire and organizations in which I participate.
