Michael Aram On His Love of India, "Rock Boxes," and Being a Dad

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• [Photos: Courtesy of Michael Aram]
• How often do you travel India? Is it still a main source of inspiration in your work? I maintain a home and workshop in New Delhi, India and have done so for the past 25 years. In fact, I have spent most of my adult life in India. Most o
• Which pieces from your own collection do you love giving as gifts? I love giving candles from our home fragrance offerings. They are gifts that you don’t ne
• How do you add a sense of ritual and beauty to everyday scenarios such as setting the table? I believe that it only takes a bit of time and creativity to make your personal environment more beautiful and inspiring. I feel that family ga
• I love the emphasis you place on handmade items. Do you find yourself gravitating to handmade things in all areas of your life, including in your fashion tastes? I enjoy all things handmade. The reason is because I believe you can truly

Michael Aram, the designer of handmade, high-end home goods, stops by Bloomingdale's Old Orchard today. The event starts at 1 p.m., and customers who make a purchase can have their pieces engraved by the artist himself. (And, if you miss this one, Lincoln Park's Art Effect will host a a Michael Aram trunk show on June 14.)

Aram, an artist who specializes in metalwork, was inspired to set out on his current career path during a trip to India, when he discovered the richly detailed work of craftsmen there. Aram set up a studio and workshop in New Delhi, and focuses on handmade items that straddle the line between fine art and decorative pieces. In Hindi, the word "Aram" means "gently, with peace, with love and care," and this is the mantra that Aram brings to his own work and teaches his craftsmen. We spoke to the designer about his affinity for the handmade, how to pick out a perfect gift, and (since Father's Day is nigh) what it means to him to be a dad.

· Michael Aram [Official Site]
· Bloomingdale's [Official Site]