‍In our Staff Spotlight series, we’re pulling back the curtain on the talented artists, artisans, and craftspeople who make up our crew. Our team is a gumbo pot of creativity: painters, sculptors, woodworkers, fiber artists, costume designers, metalsmiths, actors, musicians, and the list goes on. If you can dream it up, chances are we’re already doing it in our free time, too. That’s what makes us so good at our day jobs as custom experiential fabricators.

Each month, we’ll shine a light on one of our team members—their inspirations, their after-hours projects, and the creative spark they bring to both their life and our shop floor. Because behind every masterpiece is a person with a story worth sharing.

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This month, we’re talking to our Project Lead Ian Cook, who is not only a talented violinist, visual artist, and builder, but is also a proud new papa!‍

So tell us a little bit about how you became an artist and what you like to create. 

Since I was a child, I’ve loved drawing and painting. At one point, I considered going down the career path of becoming a tattoo artist. Eventually, I channeled that interest into building houses.

I’ve also always loved music. I started playing guitar as a kid and eventually moved to violin. The violin really captured me, and that became my primary focus for many years, specifically studying Klezmer and Eastern European folk music. Some past bands include Blato Zlato, G String Orchestra, Evers, Painted Honey, Fever Dreams, and Debauche. (Editor's Note: Fun fact! Debauche lead singer Yegor Romantsov is also a DFW employee.)

What was your favorite artistic experience, and what made it special?

The experience of a few band bicycle tours. Officially, one through Mexico, one from North Carolina to New York, and some casual ones through Greece. However, my wife Sarah and I have traveled a lot with our instruments and played everywhere we went!

What do you enjoy most about your artistic journey?

The doors it opens and the people you meet. The kindness and generosity of complete strangers when they are touched by music.

Blato Zlato - Vodata Teche (Official Music Video)

What are you looking forward to making next? 

Exploring a music/life balance with my new daughter, Loveda.

Do you have a favorite artist or personal hero who influences your work? 

All of my favorite and life changing memories were made possible by playing music with my wife Sarah Jacques [lead singer for orchestral metal band Araneta]!

Do you feel like your creative work influences how you approach your projects on the job at Downtown FabWorks?

Learning to improvise in music, and adapt to varying rhythms and timings, has crossovers in most every aspect in life for me. Even when carrying a heavy beam, or what-have-you with someone, falling in step with the other person leaves room for seamless movement as one. Finding one's role on a jobsite is akin to finding complimentary counter harmony to play within the already busy song. However, this type of work is a wonderful balance exercising another part of one’s self, and I enjoy the difference in process. 

Do you have any upcoming shows you’d like people to know about?

Right now, the only show at my house is Loveda TV, but come Carnival time, I'm sure some new musical appearances will pop up!

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Our company motto is "Good People, Good Work, Excellent Experiences," but it's not just something we say; it's something we live. We believe that being great fabricators requires collaboration, creativity, and rhythm. As Ian beautifully puts it, “falling in step with the other person leaves room for seamless movement as one.” Our team brings diverse talents and artistic perspectives to every job, finding the right harmony to bring each client’s vision to life.

‍Contact us today to find out why partnering with Downtown FabWorks will make your next project a success!

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