Daniel MerriamA Midsummer Night’s Dream

A World Away

“Inspired by the view across the vineyards from the breakfast table, the piece brings together the plans for the bridge to span the creek bed while it celebrates the humming birds that busily inspect the buddings of the giant trees, taking my imagination with them as they flee across the scape.”

A World AwayFine Art Limited Edition on Paper or Canvas38” x 17.75”

The FalconessFine Art Limited Edition on Canvas

20” x 24”

The Falconess

“Today, at the base of a towering redwood grove, I found the scattered feathers of a falcon. In all their beauty, I could not help but wonder if these were the quills of our dear friend who was only yesterday soaring above the crowns of these 300 kings and queens of the forest. With their halos draped in ancient grape vines, they towered in a strange memorial over the bed of feathers strewn by perhaps a bobcat or a wild boar.... Did the tomcat in the tree finally get the bird?”

Staying on Top

“Many of my childhood days were spent in forested areas in which the trees played a vital role as teacher, as lookout tower, as dwelling. It starts with climbing a tree to get a different perspective of the world below. Climb the right tree and you can see for miles. Get a few other kindred spirits together and they will scrounge up some scraps of board from the wood pile and build a tree house. To that dream I have dedicated an adult pursuit of the ideal.

My latest endeavor has been the revitalization of a dreamy hilltop property in Napa's wine country. As I sit and plan my imagined tree houses and bridges, I'm growing ever more familiar with this new environment and its relaxing effect it has on me.

These are some of the first pieces that reflect the impression this project is having on me. As I build and sculpt and paint, the land will continue to speak to me, while I care for the giant trees that provide shade for my new studio.

In some way my surreal world has always been connected to my reality, and in this new era of my life I plan to more integrate my work and fantastical ideals with my family and everyday life. Whether it takes me closer to realism or inspires a more outlandish reach of the imagination, only time and living it will tell.”

Staying on TopFine Art Limited Edition on Canvas

20” x 24”

Music Room

“Upon discovery of the ravine in the rear quarter of the property, it felt like a magical oasis framed by the creek banks and live oaks. I could imagine building a small house for my minstrel friends to perform in. Backed up to miles of forest, one can’t help but be slightly on edge knowing that wild cats and bears roam freely on the ridge above.”

Music RoomFine Art Limited Edition on Canvas24” x 36”

The Strategist

The Strategist is loosely based on one of Merriam’s friends who lives in the Hollywood hills. This man is a notorious recluse. However, on occasion he desires the company of his friends. He will call them up individually and invite them over for a quiet day. By the time you have arrived, you realise by the hundreds of people present that he’s lured not only you, but also all of the other ‘birds’ to his nest. Metaphorically, this image speaks of someone or something that is out of our normal line of vision who has a perspective far exceeding ours. He patiently waits and strategizes, pulling our strings, invisibly and quietly, luring us from our places of comfort into his own. This piece speaks on another level about the philosophical ideas of free will versus determinism.

The StrategistFine Art Limited Edition on Canvas

24” x 36”