Design is intelligence made visible

I first learned the probity of art through drawing. I was able to disclose the heart of visual thought, go abroad with my imagination, and associate spirit and perception. One line, one shade, everything has a purpose and it is coalesce with the surroundings in a frame. I learned that everyone can draw a line, but not all of them are the same. In the field of design, I learned that industrial design is not only based on the user research and mass production, but it can also pertain to the probity of drawing: the aesthetic quality, purpose and “soul” of the piece.

Industrial design is a broad field where there are many ways of discovering, approaching, and considering the definition of design. As discussed in my previous post, Campana brothers and Tokujin Yoshioka are designers who portray the coexistence of art and design in their work. Their process of creating a piece that is at once functional and artistic object is truly inspiring. How do the designers turn an ordinary material into something extraordinary? I believe that the answer lies in how one views and values design in different perspective. Yoshioka was able to turn mundane object into exhilarating design that reflects the designer’s talent, culture, and spirit.





(Made of plastic straws we use everyday )


Shawn Lovell is a designer who mainly works with metal. She creates magical metalwork with motifs from nature in her design: furniture, trellises, gates and doors. With her product, it not only creates magical and mellow atmosphere, but also brings the harmonization of nature and the environment that it is placed in.






In addition to Lovell’s work, a designer Charles Kraft approaches art and design with a different perspective. He is renowned for his sublime work in the delicate medium of porcelain. He mainly values the meaning of a work more than the function. This piece, Peace is Fragile, illustrates the fragile beauty embedded with the most popular and dangerous weaponry of our generation. His goal is to make “Life-size ceramic weaponry so gorgeous and patently functionless that it will bedazzle and confound everyone who sees it.” Its portrayal of explosive weapons into fragile porcelain is very unique. It is interesting to see how the casting and decorations of floral motifs carry serene and nonchalant emotion that overpowers the anxiety and insecurity of these popular weapons.

It is fascinating to perceive how people see design in many different ways. I see that Art and Design is a powerful tool that can inspire, change someone’s life, or embed a trace of profound memory in one’s heart. I remember coming to RISD with a conviction, wanting to influence people and the world with art and design. "Design is intelligence made visible," said Lou Danziger. Indeed, design reveals the designer’s intelligence: thoughts, skills to give life and soul to a product. I want to hold on to my conviction close to my heart and strive to be a designer who can have an impact on someone’s life.