A senior in here at RISD, Robert Dodd (BFA ID ’11) has taken a slightly unconventional route when it comes to his Industrial Design education. Exploring the line between design and sculpture, Dodd is currently exploring what he calls “object-based” work. Since he primarily uses found or repurposed materials to create his work, Dodd has not been able to use the machinery in the shops of the ID building. “I would say that the majority of my work is done at home with mostly hand tools,” says Dodd. “The struggle with the materials is really an important part of each object to me.”
Dodd’s focus brings an important aspect of the RISD Industrial Design department to light in that the education is not solely about preparing and cultivating the next generation of product makers. As a Bauhaus school, RISD ID allows student to design their own education around a core education of materials explorations and design principles. After sophomore year of metal smithing and wood working, students choose which Advanced Studios they would like to take and engage in learning tailored to their interests.
Below are a couple of images of Dodd’s work, where you can see more of on his website, http://robertdodd.tumblr.com.
Posted by Carly Ayres | Date Posted: 15 February, 2011