I work with fine metals and ABS plastic and currently focus on developing decorative light objects combining a variety of materials and processes. The resulting objects are one-off finished objects or prototypes to be produced in small scale manufacture.
After completing a degree in silversmithing as a Meisterschueler at the Academy of Fine Art in Nuernberg, Germany, I completed a Graduate Diploma at the ANU School of Art in Canberra, Australia.
Working as a contemporary craft practitioner I show my work at national and international exhibitions. I was awarded the ‘Bavarian Staats Prize’ after having been invited to participate in the ‘Meister der Moderne’ exhibition at the international Munich Craft Fair.
In 1994, I was part of the team that established the Computer Art Studio at the ANU School of Art, introducing digital technologies to students and staff. This studio, now the Design Arts studio is offering a variety of IT based courses to the School. In 2007 I received a National teaching award a ‘Carrick citation’ for my contribution to university teaching. Currently I am the head of the School’s Core (foundation) program.
My interest in and findings about the master of the northern renaissance, Albrecht Dürer, is a result of my teaching of perspective drawing. An initial discovery in one of Dürer’s woodcuts has sparked an unexpected research into his ‘painters manual’, all the outcomes are documented in this blog.
As much as the mind links an idea with a design solution, the hand connects design to the making process. Making becomes the extension of design and forms the essence of craft.
Since 1994 new technologies play an ever increasing part in my working practice. The skillful manipulation of tools and process – the basis of making – is equally important for digital work and require an experienced hand. Augmenting and expanding all aspects from the sketching to the making, digital technologies play a role in it. Using the old together with the new calls for new design solutions and informs the resulting objects. Traditional silversmithing techniques interact with rapid prototyping parts and the virtual 3d space of the CAD program feels like an extension to my workshop.
The pleasure is in the making wherever and however it happens.
I hope you enjoy reading the posts and would appreciate any comment you have about them.
Cheers
Gilbert Riedelbauch
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