Delta Explorer - Spring 2008 - (Page 14) Forging his own Destiny Hobart by Shirley Patrick M eetWorks, whoDaniel, creative owner of the Walnut Grove Iron has moved his business into the former Walnut Grove movie theater on the east bank of the Sacramento. In this handsome setting, he, his wife Kathleen, and his son Jason serve a growing demand for high-end, functional metal art – garden gates, trellises, railings, fences, unique furniture designs - while continuing to work, in their “spare” time, on the building itself. The plan is eventually to carve living quarters out of the former theater balcony and install a gallery in the old foyer fronting on Market Street, but a huge influx of orders from customers as far away as Walnut Creek has delayed completion of those elements. However, the former orchestra section has already been converted to an impressive modern blacksmith shop. On most days you will find the artist there, hard at his craft but always willing to stop and talk to interested passersby or prospective customers. His boyhood friends always called him Patrick Daniel, so when it came time to establish a business Patrick chose to drop his surname, Puckett. However, Kathleen and his sons continue to use it. Patrick’s eldest, Ben, chose a career in the U. S. Navy and currently is a medical diver in Hawaii. A widow when they met, Kathleen had four grown children of her own plus six stepchildren from a long second marriage. Their chance encounter, when she stopped in at his former workshop on her way to Sacramento one day, led to marriage in 2004 and the formation of a cheaper-by-the-dozen clan that, if smiles are any indication, has bonded nicely. Chalk up another victory for serendipity. Patrick’s interest in his medium began in high school, where he studied architectural design, mechanical drawing, and metal work. After graduation, he worked for a steel fabricator making stainless restaurant equipment; he stayed in this job for 12 years before striking out on his own to run a portable welding operation. A few years later, he set up shop in Folsom and began creating the original designs for functional metal objects which now form his lifework. Jason chose to follow in his father’s footsteps, starting with welding classes in high school. Since he’d already begun to help his dad with installations and shop chores, he wound up being more of an advisor to his teacher than a student. He has chosen a career in steel fabrication and blacksmithing to carry on the work for the next generation. All of Walnut Grove has been amazed and delighted by the dramatic renovation of its movie theater, but Patrick Daniel All commissions start out with pen and ink on paper. How this translates to a forged piece of metal art is truly a unique talent. Before delta explorer / 14 Photos Courtesy of Walnut Grove Iron Works Julie Griffin Julie Griffin
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