Lionel T Dean
Residency at National Institute of Design (NID)
FutureFactories is about growth, evolution, individualisation, and 3d forms in constant flux. 3d designs are not seen as fixed, discrete solutions but as meta design templates from which endless iterations may be generated. This work needs a new visual language free from the influence of mass-production and “design for manufacture” that govern the product design landscape.
The principal aim of the residency will be to create a collection of artefacts inspired by the experience. This work will form the basis of a touring show for exhibition in the UK, Milan, and India from October 2007. The work created is certain to be inspired by the rich array of cultural experiences I will encounter. In addition to this however, the aim is to achieve some more direct influences from both tradition and technology.
My work is not about the technology in itself but rather the creative opportunities it presents. It is not a replacement for traditional skills but the opportunity to explore a new digital craft. I see great potential in the combination of digital and traditional crafts. I would like to explore artifacts made up of both 3d printed and hand crafted elements, products that would combine my digital creativity, the technology of the Design Vision Centre (NID Ahmedabad), and the skills of Gujerati craftworkers. By working with both the Design Vision Centre and local craftworkers I would hope to create artifacts that are not only beautiful and fascinating, but develop local links between technology, craft, and production.
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"ARTIST'S TALK"
Lionel Dean talks to conference during cHAT week at Sanskriti, Delhi, India. March 2007
