ASHLEY SCHWEBEL 10 ID

Design WhatHaveYou

How does your current creative practice tie into your time spent at RISD?

I studied Industrial Design at RISD, but in my studio practice I make jewelry, as well as sculptural work and paintings. The foundational ethos and workflow of the design process that I learned while studying Industrial Design, I utilize throughout my creative work, including my more “fine art” work that I create.

Tell us about some of your main sources of inspiration.

Working with concrete is an inspiration in itself. So much of our everyday world is made from concrete, not only buildings and infrastructure, but designed objects as well. I studied architecture before I came to RISD, so I’ve always been inspired by buildings and structures and working with concrete I look at a lot of brutalist buildings, and concrete infrastructure. Also, I draw a lot of inspiration from just living, working, and being in an urban environment.

Is there a work/body of work that you are particularly excited about sharing with us at RISD Craft this year?

I’ve recently been experimenting with different colors and incorporating new, different semi-precious stones into my jewelry pieces. I love the interplay between the natural stone and the produced or cast “stone”. The surface texture that comes from pairing the natural stones with the concrete is really satisfying.

Any recent press, exhibitions, achievements or awards you’d like to share with us?

Earlier this year I had one of my concrete and steel art pieces included in the group show “Fresh Faces” at the Abigail Ogilvy Gallery in Boston. I also just did an interview with Boston Voyager Magazine.

To see more of Ashley’s work, visit designwhathaveyou.com.