Larry Whiteley, Big Bad Brass Nest

Larry Whiteley is a Dallas-based sculptor who transforms brass and steel into organic, lyrical works of art. Inspired by the textures and quiet intricacies of nature, his pieces blur the boundaries between sculpture, architecture, and design. Known for turning raw metal into delicate forms—branches, birds, trees, and nests—Whiteley brings a poetic sensibility to both ornamental and functional work. His talent has attracted the attention of top designers, architects, and creatives across the country. In 2021, he created an 18-foot inverted Tree Chandelier for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Dallas—a dramatic entry piece that sparked further commissions in Texas, Colorado, and Florida. He has continued as a celebrated contributor to Kips Bay Dallas, with multiple bespoke installations. In 2023, he partnered with Daniel Hourchard to craft a custom brass and steel floral chandelier for a private garden, and collaborated with Tanner Morgan of Morgan Madison Design on a suite of patinated brass elements for their Kips Bay space. Whiteley’s long-standing creative relationship with design entrepreneur Brian Bolke began in the early 2000s, with his work featured in the Forty Five Ten collection. Their collaboration culminated in Whiteley’s sculptural contributions to The Conservatory at Hudson Yards in New York, and later locations in Dallas and Houston. In 2016, he was commissioned to fabricate ten sculptural Juliet railings for the Forty Five Ten flagship in downtown Dallas. Additional commissions include the Ritz-Carlton Dallas Spa, Crescent Court Spa, Four Seasons Las Colinas, Reunion Tower, ExxonMobil Campus, Devon Energy HQ, and the George W. Bush Presidential Center. His work is held in private and public collections across the U.S. In 2017, Whiteley was named Artist/Craftsman of the Year by AIA Dallas, recognizing his rare ability to fuse craftsmanship, beauty, and architectural presence. Whether crafting an 18-foot chandelier or a single brass nest, Whiteley brings collaboration, intention, and wonder to every project.