Posted by Gimena
Interview | 13 Sep 06 | Comments (7) | Stumble
For Rodrigo Torres design inspiration comes from many different sources and the design process that follows is both a solo and collaborative process. It all begins with art... GP
Freezy – Glowing pillow for Felicerossi, designed with S. Giovannoni and F. Gooris.
When did you decide to become a designer?
When I was 15 years old.
How did you realise, at 15, that it was design what you wanted to do for a living?
I have been in an artistic environment since I was a small kid, my parents encouraged me often (when I was driving them crazy) to express my self through an artistic activity such as painting or sculpting, I knew since then that I wanted to become an artist. At 15 years old , one year before graduating from high school I heard about this career that involved arts, technology and people's needs... since then I fell in love with it, design became my passion and I decided to become a designer.
Where do you do most of your design work?
On my sofa, in the shower and in front of my PC ...
Is design for you a mostly intellectual activity rather than a hands on process?
Design is a conceptual activity, completely intellectual. Concepts are translated into shapes, performances and rituals that involve objects and people ... transforming our culture.
Where, or from what, do you get inspiration for your work?
From life in all its manifestations, from social rituals, from collective memory...
Is there any particular place where you go hunting for inspiration when you need it?
Museums, book stores, fairs, outdoors...
Morfeo sofa for Domodinamica.
What is your favourite part of the design process and why?
The first step, when I am in front of a virgin paper... when the creation starts to take place.
Do you confront your ideas when you are in the process of designing? And in that case, who do you share your thoughts with, who do you ask for opinions and critics?
I always confront my ideas after the first brainstorm and then through the whole design process. Before that step, after analyzing the brief and defining the conceptual roads to follow, I just let the ideas flow out of my head in a compulsive way ... I ask for feedback often to people around me (involved or not in the project), I think that it's healthy to confront yourself with the critics and learn from them.
How would you label/categorize your work?
I leave that to the critics... I just wanna express myself in order to be happy.
Mist table for Domodinamica.
Do you have a signature style? If yes, what are the hallmarks of your style?
Honesty.
Who are your favourite designers and/or architects?
I don't have a favorite one, I believe that one should learn from everyone, there's a lot of interesting people around and many masters that left an incredible legacy... Maybe Achille Castiglioni is one of the most interesting ones.
What item (PC, pen, etc) can you not do without when you are designing?
Pen.
What's next?
Create until I die.
Mist chair for Domodinamica.
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VITAL STATS
Full name: Rodrigo Torres
Location: Milan
Size of team: army of one
In business since: 2000
Claim to fame projects: Mist armchair, Duna armchair, Mist table and morfeo Bed-sofa... All for Domodinamica - Italy
Spare time: illustration... and beer tasting
MEDIA FAVES
Favorite website(s): www.youtube.com
What music is on your iPod or radio? Blues, jazz, punk, funk, grunge, rock, trip hop, reggae
Your favourite magazine(s): I don't have one...
Last or current book you are reading: Angels and Demons
Last movie you saw: Delikatessen
Me siento muy feliz de saber de ti.... has hecho un trabajo magnifico.
Paula Estrada. ( nos conocimos hace varios años ya)
Moooooo! E dinne n'altra! Mancava la domanda "what's your favourite colour?".
Respect.
Nice answer- I would definitely agree in regards to the work displayed, and his approach to design and life. This was a very invigorating interview.
Side note: How funny that the new cover for Delicatessen says "From the Director of Amelie". Advertising is the most consistent distorter of time.
One of the things that i really miss most were my years in school at Jorge Tadeo Lozano University, where i spent my time with this guy who from the very beginning showed his talent not only to professors and mentors but also to peers in every design workshop.
From him i have learned many things but the most important, a legacy for me as professional, to be critical and honest with people that you love and care and he always has been with me, and this is valuable now that i am still exploring my ideas as designer in other fields.
Thank you my friend and keep on rocking with your talent and native skills.
"The flight made art". remember that
God bless you and see you soon
And cheers up for beers
I forgot, sorry,
Punk and rock what a mix!!!!!!!
me alegra mucho, que le este llendo tan bien, yo lo conoci en una charla que dio en la tadeo, y yo estaba en un grupo llamado la RAD, bueno yo tambien soy diseñador y me interesa mucho el sector del mueble, actualmente, diseño mobiliario en madera.
es muy gratificante saver que un colombiano, esta al nivel de los grandes diseñadores del mundo, esto nos hace pensar que los ideales son proyectos a corto plazo, si es que asi lo queremos.
buena suerte, y muhos exitos
Rodrigo fue a dar una charla a mi Universidad en Cali... Colombia y desde ahí (hace unos años) se veia venir años de exitos para el, su mejor cualidad, la que pude observar es la pasión y la emoción con que diseña y habla de diseño.
Saludos desde Colombia, es bueno ver un diseñador colombiano reconocido en el exterior!