Art By The Daniels
Veteran Steve Daniels and his wife Carol are local artists extraordinaire. Their working studios are in Sapphire.
Steve is a self-taught artist, musician and author. He began drawing at four years old – drawing his father’s Navy ships while stationed in Hawaii. After graduating from a Wilmington, North Carolina high school in 1965, he was discouraged from studying Art in college because the focus was on painting – particularly abstract works. But, Steve’s inspiration was Norman Rockwell. He loved the detail of Rockwell’s work and the stories he told through his illustrations. So, Steve attended technical school in Wilmington and studied Mechanical Drafting.
He always knew he would join the service. His father served in the Navy for 35 years. And in high school he participated in ROTC and had been in the Civilian Air Patrol. So, he joined the Air Force during the Viet Nam war. When the Air Force learned of his artistic and mechanical drafting talents, they put him to work drawing top-secret aircraft designs.
Steve has been an artist and illustrator his entire working life. He has written and illustrated children’s books, illustrates books for other authors (he is currently working on a book illustrations for a local Summer resident), paints life-like military scenes and local waterfalls – and more! One of his military paintings was presented to President George H. W. Bush – a painting of the plane he flew as a World War II fighter pilot. It is now hanging in his presidential library in Houston.
Carol, originally a painter, now specializes in fiber art. She designs, pieces and hand quilts works of art and uses a fascinating process to create “thread art.” Carol “paints with fiber.” In fact, it was Carol’s work that brought the Daniels to the area. They had to deliver works she was selling to a shop in Franklin and fell in love with the area and relocated to Sapphire 35 years ago.
Originally the Daniels had a studio in Cashiers but they now both have studios in Sapphire. Carol says this is the first time they haven’t shared a studio, but she can look out her window and see him!
Steve and Carol’s studios are working art studios – and they are open for business. They both have beautiful original works of art for sale, work on a commission basis and just enjoy having visitors to their studios! Steve’s children’s books are also available – and he will happily autograph them, too.
Because of their limited parking space, they do ask that you call before visiting. They can be reached at 828-421-8043. And, check out their website www.artbythedaniels.com where many of their works are displayed and available for purchase. 🔚
