How would you describe your style? A bit over used but "perfectly imperfect". I like to mix quality materials, porcelain, leather, bronze, figured woods and let some of the rawness or imperfection show through.
Do you remember the first thing you made? Yes. The first thing I made in a pottery class was a pinch pot vase, I was very proud. The first thing that I made and sold was a plate that looked like a Black + White cookie.
Before I started making I… I was a product manager at Elektra Records for a host of rock bands and artists.
If I weren’t a maker I’d be... Likely still in the music business in some way. But I'd love to have record/guitar store/cafe.
Favorite quote or words to live by: I don't really have a favorite quote or words to live by, but while thinking about this Bruce Springsteen's words of wisdom came to mind. "You can't start a fire without a spark."
If I could run away I’d go… To the beach! Ocean, sand dunes, beach grass, rickety worn wood docks…
If you could collaborate with one person dead or alive who would it be? I'd really love to collaborate with Chef Sean Brock. His approach to food seems compatible with my approach to making things to serve food, and I'd surely learn a lot from him.
What would be on your maker’s soundtrack? Funny you should ask. Music is very important to me and my maker's soundtrack is always changing depending on my mood. So I started making playlists for each of my porcelain collections. This one is for the Honeycomb Collection. It's warm and sunny and inspired by Lauren Canyon in the 70s.
Favorite scent? Jasmine
Favorite Flower or Tree? Sycamore Tree
Favorite artist? David Bowie
What is the most challenging project you have worked on? Why? The first order I received from ABC Home which came about 6 months into launching DBO HOME officially. I was greener than green and had to ramp up my studio and my production skills super fast to make the 666 pieces that needed to be delivered in a very short period of time. Even learning how to pack and ship properly was a challenge. But once that was handled I felt empowered to be able to take on big projects like the ones I do for restaurants now.
What do you see outside your bedroom window? About 100 acres of wetlands, big sky, some rolling hills and my neighbor's house on top of one of those hills
Favorite podcast? The Moth Radio Hour
Any hidden talents? I can play the guitar
Favorite time of day? Dusk
What is your most treasured possession? My 1970 Martin 000-28 acoustic guitar. I have cherished it since I was 15.
Favorite thing to cook? Working on perfecting a Thai red coconut curry since there are no Thai restaurants in the Northwest corner of Connecticut. You don't realize how much you miss something until it's gone.
What are you currently watching? Ozark season 3.
What are you most thankful for? My husband and my good health.
How would you describe your style? Handmade modern
Do you remember the first thing you made? I remember pulling clay out of a ditch when I was about six and making a skull out of it.
Before I started making I… Tinkered
If I weren’t a maker I’d be... A musician
Favorite quote or words to live by: Grant me acceptance for the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference
If you could collaborate with one person dead or alive who would it be? Orville Gibson
What would be on your maker’s soundtrack? OK Computer by Radiohead
What’s your favorite movie? Oh brother where art thou
What is your perfect day? Coming up with something new and unexpected
Last book you read? Designing Tube Preamps for Guitar and Bass by Merlin Blencowe
What is the most challenging project you have worked on? Why? Making a mold to cast a little girls sandal in wax, both exterior and interior.
What would your last meal be? Spaghetti and meatballs
Favorite flower or tree? English oak
What do you see outside your bedroom window? 100 acres of wetlands
Who is the most famous person you have ever met? Angus Young from AC/DC
If you could learn a new skill what would it be? Convincing others to buy more work
What was the last gift you gave someone? Repairing some chairs
Where did you grow up? Outside Winchester England
What are you currently watching? Ozark
What are you most thankful for? Curiosity
To see more work by DBO HOME visit, www.dbohome.com or their Instagram @dbo_home.
To see more of Daniel’s guitars visit, www.oatesguitars.com or his instagram @oatesguitars.