How well I solve the problems determines how well the finished object functions and whether it is aesthetically pleasing. It is this process of overcoming or ‘designing out’ problems in an effort to create a new and exciting object that, I find, is the challenging and rewarding aspect of making.

Roger Hutchinson completed his studies in Tasmania and moved to the Canberra region in 1982. He spent 10 years as a part-time lecturer in the Gold and Silversmithing Workshop and is currently a technical officer in the same workshop.

He has taken part in national and international exhibitions as well as School of Art staff exhibitions and is represented in public collections around Australia. At the present time he is interested in lighting design.

 

For me design is the process of overcoming problems in an effort to make an idea become a real, functioning object.

These problems arise when first sketching the idea and continue through the whole making process to the finished object. Although my original concept or idea doesn’t change, overcoming the problems and compromising to achieve an acceptable result often changes the form of the finished object from that shown in the first sketches. Researching while designing, often uncovers changes in technology that will alter the form of an object, how easy it is to make, how well it functions, etc.

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