Daufuskie Island Art - Iron Fish, Mermaid, and Crab Sculptures by Chase Allen

On remote Daufuskie Island, midway between Hilton Head, SC and Savannah, GA, acclaimed folk artist and fishing enthusiast Chase Allen is playing with fire. Combining welding, blacksmithing and self-invented techniques, Chase not only designs, but creates unique metal fish and aquatic sculptures that capture the beauty of true island life. His front porch is his gallery. His backyard is his studio. And his hand-forged, hand-signed aquatic designed sculptures are true collector's items.

Visitors and art collectors will find Chase’s gallery, The Iron Fish Gallery & Studio, formerly known as The Rusted Lava Art Shop, along a secluded dirt road in a maritime forest. At this charming Daufuskie landmark, visitors can watch the self-taught artist at work and choose their own object d’art to take home. If Chase is gone fishing, payment goes in the "honor box" on the veranda of his historic Gullah cottage.

Now available online, Chase’s limited edition, iron fish art metal sculptures make perfect gifts for those with a flare for interior design, fishing enthusiasts, art connoisseurs—and anyone who needs a reminder to sit back and enjoy the simple life. Cold-forged, torch cut and wire welded with an antique painted finish, these classic iron works of art arrive cleverly packaged like fresh fish purchased at the market.

Chase Allen has been featured in several national and regional magazines for his popular coastal decor. To name a few, Coastal Living Magazine, Deep Magazine, Southern Living in 2007 & 2008, Charleston, Charleston Home. Southern Lady, Hilton Head Monthly, CH2, and Gear Technology magazine have all taken notice of Chase's classic fish and aquatic sculptures. This eccentric metal artist is one of the most sought-out members of the Lowcountry and Daufuskie Island artisan community.

Where is Daufuskie Island, South Carolina?

For those who do not realize where Daufuskie Island is located, glance upon a map of the east coast and you will notice a small island nestled between Savannah Georgia and Hilton Head South Carolina. You have located Daufuskie Island which is only accessible by boat due to the fact that there is no bridge connecting it to the "mainland". Thousands of people visit Daufuskie and "The Iron Fish" each year and each visitor originates from either Savannah or Hilton Head and ferries over to Daufuskie Island for a leisure day of golf cart exploring, history, spa treatments, culture, and of course, the arts. Every now and again Daufuskie will even receive visitors from Beaufort and Charleston SC whom have floated in on a private boat by means of the Intra Coastal waterway.

Visiting the Historic District of Daufuskie Island is similar to visiting rural islands of the Caribbean. Without the presence of a bridge, most people living on Daufuskie adopt a slow paced simple life. While visiting this charming, yet rustic coastal community, you will likely notice the complete lack of commercial development, paved & crowded roads, traffic lights, and over crowded beaches. You will also notice an abundance of history, art, nature, and a very eclectic culture. If you ever get the chance to visit Daufuskie Island, you might float away with a different perspective on life in the United States. Daufuskie Island may be the only place in the continental US that offers both a country and beach setting.

Adjacent to the Historic District lies The Daufuskie Island Resort & Spa which is also the only hotel accommodations on the island. While visiting Daufuskie, inquire about an "off resort" Daufuskie Island golf cart rental @ 843-842-9448. For more information about visiting Daufuskie, visit http://www.daufuskieislandresort.com/

If you are interested in visiting The Iron Fish Gallery & Studio on Daufuskie, Outside Hilton Head offers a professionally guided tour of historic Daufuskie Island which lead guests to the various artistic talents on the island as well as to the many spaced-out historical land marks. If interested, simply visit http://www.outsidehiltonhead.com/

If you are arriving by private boat from Savannah, Beaufort, Hilton Head, or Bluffton, call 843-842-9448 to inquire about a Daufuskie golf cart rental for touring on your own. Renting a golf cart on Daufuskie for the day will allow you to explore all of the various nooks and crannies of this virtually undeveloped island. For ferry transportation out of Harbor Town, contact Captain Steve of H2O Sports at 843-683-1136. Captain Steve offers a water taxi service from Harbour Town to Daufuskie. You can also try Calibogue Cruises out of Hilton Head. This is a ferry company that operates on a tight schedule so be on time. Call 843-342-8687 for ferry times and Daufuskie Island golf cart rental availability. Hopefully one of these companies will navigate you safely though the intra-coastal waterway so that you can check out Chase Allen's signature metal fish sculptures at The Iron Fish Gallery & Studio for yourself. For information about early morning Savannah to Daufuskie ferry options, check this link: http://www.dolphinplusfun.com/index.htm

The Iron Fish Opens New Beaufort Gallery

December 5th was the grand opening for Chase's second Iron Fish gallery which now resides in historic Beaufort South Carolina at 1001 Charles Street. The grand opening was a huge success and in the first week The Iron Fish at Beaufort has sold over 1/2 of it's fish, mermaid, and crab sculptures! Make sure to go see this very unique gallery when visiting Beaufort. The gallery is about 1 mile from Bay Street but is easy to find w/ ample street and off street parking. Look for the classically famous Iron Fish sign at the corner of Charles and Green. The gallery is next door to Allison Ramsey architects and directly across the street from The Charles Street Gallery. Chase will reside on Daufuskie and continue to operate The Iron Fish Gallery of Daufuskie. His Beaufort gallery will hold only original Iron Fish sculptures made in Chase's Daufuskie Island studio.

Testimonials

Chase Allen is an inspiration in both life and art. He is a man who decided what was important in life and followed his dream with discipline, action and creativity. His work is a reflection of his patience as it took years for him to develop the formula he uses to give his sculptures the look of vintage pieces worn in by time and environment. When I put a piece of Chase's art in my home it reminds me to pursue my own creative passions and to take the time and years to perfect artistic expression. - Patti Callahan Henry -- National Bestselling Author of When Light Breaks

"I ordered a small school of iron fish for my beach house in Virginia. I am a huge enthusiast of coastal decoration and absolutely love my new sculptures. They were well worth the wait." --Susan Smith, Virginia Beach, VA

"Chase, I bought a fish sculpture from you last year while visiting your gallery on Daufuskie. Actually two fish. I paid for one and left a number for the second. I am not sure you ever got $$ for the second. It has bothered me all year. Please call me. Thanks!" --Ruthie, Atlanta, GA,

"Stopped by and got a mermaid sculpture and an iron fish sculpture. Call me for payment"--Samantha Fromm

"Hello Chase, We visited your place on Thursday Sept. 13th and throughly enjoyed ourselves.I am going back to reality tomorrow (work) the kind you and I both do not like.I will drop check in the mail.You should have it by the end of the week.Thanks for sharing a glimpse of what could be:) I have a new prespective on life after seeing Daufuskie Island." Best Regards-- Ruth Bohorquez

"hey chase! it was great to meet you yesterday...your metal art is very impressive!"--Katie Eaddy

"Hey Chase! We just recieved our crab sculpture last night and absolutely love it!!.... It is perfect and looks amazing on our covered porch. We will enjoy for many, many years to come! Thanks Again!!" --Katie & Matt Rhineholz

"Got the Southern Living Magazine at the Melrose General Store. It's a great article! You need to get several of them. Mom bought two iron fish sculptures. You can call her here at the house."---Jen Risey, Atlanta, GA

"My new collection of fish sculptures are what I consider the ideal coastal decoration, or should I say coastal decor?! Can't wait to add more"--Bob Smith, Jersey Shores, NJ

"We were here from Irricana, Alberta Canada. We found this to be a wonderful, no pressure way to shop. This antiqued coastal decor is absolutely original! Thanks."--Denise Tudor

" I can tell you that my Iron Fish is proudly mounted on the wall of my sunroom in my coastal Maine home. I get lots of compliments on it. Best regards from Boston, -Lisa

"I love my iron fish sculptures and will cherish them for years to come."--Nelson Lemmond, Charlotte, NC

"Wow! Did we have fun on Daufuskie-Your work is exceptional. We took an iron fish sculpture. Please call for credit card"--Greg Jennings, Brownsboro, AL

"This is the perfect coastal decor for our beach house. Our decoration efforts have been stalled until now. Hope to see you one day on Daufuskie. Thanks!" --Ashley Jones

"I have been collecting the metal art pieces by Chase for several years and I find his work quit remarkable. The craftsmanship and artistry is superior to other artist in his field. Anyone purchasing his pieces would be making a wise investment for the future." --Bill Botts, Amelia Island, Florida

"You can't have a beach house at Fripp or any other low country island with out having an Iron Fish"--Cooter Ramsey of Allison Ramsey Architects, Beaufort, SC.

"Your new Iron Fish Gallery in historic Beaufort matches the area perfectly. The Iron Fish Gallery is a perfect fit for the Beaufort Arts community. I love your vintage styled work!"--Lany Smith, Beaufort, SC