A Chat with Artist Daniel Merriam

Before meeting artist Daniel Merriam when he speaks at his exhibition, Head In the Clouds, premiering Nov. 13 at AFA in New York City, learn the inspiration behind his works and what he loves about NYC.

Thought Gallery: You were in architecture before shifting solely to fine art. How has that affected your perspective when it comes to creating buildings and structures in your paintings?

Daniel Merriam: I think the architecture for me symbolizes dwellings. Humans are dwellers. Homes symbolize how humans see their life, so the architecture is as the people who live in them as the building itself as a structure. The styles of architecture are a vehicle for me to collect ornaments from culture.

My art is going through a process, much like society does. I think what we’ve seen is a departure of the human element, which has been removed from design. What you see in my architecture is emphasis on humans who have put craftsmanship into the structures.

TG: Tell us about your inspiration for your upcoming exhibition: Head in the Clouds

DM: I’m focusing on the sanctuary of architecture. several of the architectural subjects are postured in trees or in cliffs. The characters in them are somewhat anthropomorphic-type creatures. They’re taking on this being and space on their on as an escape from the static and friction of the outside world.

Each body of work is created in the light of the times in which we live. I take on what’s going on in the world and create. I hope visitors take away a sense of importance of bringing the history with them into the future. That they can learn to maintain the importance of self-identity and a sense of romance in a time of machines.

TG: What pieces are you most proud of in this exhibition?

DM: Turning Leaves. It’s a 6-foot tall painting — it’s narrow and tall. It’s a tree that’s grown out of the harbor and you can see the underwater. The tree reaches high up and there is an elaborate cottage-style Victorian tree house that’s built over it. On the front porch is a man with cat ears — a half man and half cat — that is sitting in a wicker chair on the porch napping with a book on his arm. Things from his imagination seem to be stirring in his dreams.

People always feel like they want to escape the troubles that we’re faced with in today’s world. It stresses us out and it’s unhealthy. If you can mentally escape, your soul and nervous system are able to heal itself, nurture itself. So that’s one thing that art achieves. It can do it in a way that’s not necessarily a beautiful picture.

TG: Aside from your exhibition, what are you looking forward to seeing or doing when you visit NYC again?

DM: I enjoy SoHo and the Village the most, and walking the High Line. The most profound thing about New York is to go there and see what’s new. To see the window displays that are some of the best in the world. It’s exciting to see each time what the galleries are offering and what they’re putting out there.

Meet Daniel Merriam at the exhibition’s opening reception on Saturday, Nov. 16, 6-8 p.m. at AFA NYC at 54 Greene St., Manhattan. RSVP required: [email protected] or 212-226-7374