Joe Galas

Born and raised in Chicago, Joe Galas has lived in North Carolina since 1995. He previously worked as a designer for manufacturing corporations and as a licensed building contractor. Joe began working with metal over 12 years ago, taking welding classes at night, and eventually renting studio space at the Liberty Warehouse. Joe now has his own Durham studio, Monkey Bottom Collaborative.

Joe’s work involves using different materials: metal, concrete, wood, glass. He uses recycled material whenever possible: metal cores from electric motors, automotive springs, water heaters, industrial hardware and many mysterious pieces: some donated, some scavenged from mounds of metal. From these materials emerge forms for function or sometimes non-function. Each cut, formed, molded, welded, ground, sanded, polished and finished into a custom made piece of craftsmanship.