Chase Allen: The Iron Fish

Visit  The Iron Fish

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, crab, sting ray, and mermaid 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 vintage finished fish, crab, sting ray, and mermaid sculptures are true collector's items.

Visitors and art collectors will find Chase’s coastal gallery, The Iron Fish Gallery & Studio, formerly known as The Rusted Lava Art Shop, along a secluded historic dirt road in a maritime forest. At this charming Daufuskie Island 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 sculptures make perfect gifts for those with a flare for coastal decorating, fishing enthusiasts, art connoisseurs, corporate commissions—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 and visited members of the Lowcountry and Daufuskie Island artisan community.