Vidaillet To Showcase Work in Marshfield
Daniel Vidaillet has lived in Marshfield since he was an infant, and has always harbored a passion for art.
“I loved art throughout grade school, high school and college, but it wasn’t until I started SilverFolk by Dan that I ever considered selling my art,” he said.
Now an artist full-time, Vidaillet enjoys sharing his work with others.
“It is wonderful to find something that you enjoy, something that you are good at, and something that you can make a career doing,” he said. “I feel extremely fortunate to have found what I believe to be my calling.”
Vidaillet first started practicing welding at home but couldn’t find where to buy stainless steel to practice his welds. Because most silverware is made out of stainless steel, he started buying it from garage sales whenever he could.
One day, while in the garage, his oldest son (then only four-years-old) asked him if he could weld a Spiderman figure for him to play with.
“So, I did!” said Vidaillet. “My Dad loved it and wanted me to make a chef, so I made him a chef holding salt & pepper shakers. One of my parents’ friends saw the piece and asked me if I would consider being in an art show, and the rest is history!”
Naming his creations “SilverFolk,” Vidaillet has since crafted a multitude of silverware figures, most inspired by personal life experiences.
“I enjoy creating pieces that I can relate to,” he said. “For example, I love spending time with my family and that is why I have so many family-oriented pieces.”
Now with a few dozen pieces currently in his inventory, and countless others distributed to family and customers, each of Vidaillet’s pieces are truly one-of-a-kind.
“Although at any given show I may have several butterflies, each butterfly is unique,” he said. “No two pieces I make are ever identical. That’s the beauty in truly handmade sculptures, there really is only one like it in the world.”
While a simple piece might take only 4-5 hours to complete, a more complex piece can
take several hundred hours. Fortunately, Vidaillet enjoys every step.
“I enjoy the entire process from the conception of the idea for the piece to actually creating the art, and, ultimately, seeing the reaction from people who see my work,” he said.
Vidaillet enjoys the challenge of making commissioned pieces. “That allows me to bring to life special memories that my customers will be able to cherish forever,” he said.
When not creating, Vidaillet enjoys spending time with his family. “My family is without a doubt my greatest accomplishment and what I am most proud of in this world!” he said.
See Vidaillet’s SilverFolk at the “P.E.O. Holiday Boutique” on Saturday, November 19th from 9am-3pm at the Holiday Inn and the “Holiday Showcase” on Sunday, December 4th from Noon-4:30pm at the Chestnut Center for the Arts. Check out his work anytime on Facebook by searching for “SilverFolk by Dan” on Facebook.
Artist Statement
Inspired by the elegant simplicity of stainless steel, I exploit its luster and permanency to create unique handmade welded sculptures that strive to capture movement, nature, and the magic of the human experience!
The focus of my work continues to evolve. My subject matter ranges from renderings of the whimsical flight of butterflies to the symbiotic relationship of intricate marine habitats. From depictions of human figures engaged in professional activities and their hobbies and to images of the enduring bond between a parent and their child.
I enjoy the challenge of transforming a concept from an idea into it to a ‘breathing’ SilverFolk piece. I love that my art can spark emotions and bring at least glimpses of happiness to others.
