Agirlinhongkong met the talented industrial designer Rodrigo Torres for a little chat about his work and life. Very interesting indeed! Please keep us posted on your upcoming projects so we can shop those as well (me – I am going to get Chip asap…)
WHO ARE THE NON-DESIGNERS WHO INSPIRE(D) YOUR WORK?
Rodrigo Torres: Given the amount on inputs and culture mixes that one had while growing up the list is long… Film makers like George Lucas, Ridley Scott or Tim Burton. Artists like Miró or Negret. Architects as Gaudi and Herzog & de Meuron. Illustrators as Jamie Hewlett or musicians like Dave Brubeck, John Lee Hooker and Tom Waits inspired me in one way or another… But to be really honest with you, It was the Colombian Precolombian art pieces (specially Quimbaya’s and Tairona’s gold) that touched me in a special way… like a magic spell made of simplicity, spirituality and timeless sophistication.
If you want to get Chip by Rodrigo Torres for Alessi click here
DO YOUPREFER WORKING IN A STUDIO OR THERE IS ANY SO “PUBLIC PLACE” THAT INSPIRES YOU?
Rodrigo Torres: I have my studio at home, I love its privacy and to be surrounded by my creative mess (pencils, pens, markers, books, old sketch books, toys, music, etc)… Another special place is my country house in the Colombian mountains, one place with tons and tons of biodiversity to be inspired.
ASK YOURSELF A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE A JOURNALIST TO ASK YOU – BUT THEY NEVER DO!
Rodrigo Torres: From your opinion what’s the worst enemy of a designer? I think that arrogance and ignorance are that nasty enemies, because they blind you, preventing you from learning and improving yourself as a person. In a global-interconected society, reality changes in a blink and you gotta be ready to adapt fast and learn from everyone.
IS THERE A PROJECT YOU ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD ABOUT?
Rodrigo Torres: Every project is a challenge, a suffering and a joy when is done…Therefore in one way or another I’m proud of all of them.
AND STILL YOU THINK THE BEST IS YET TO COME?
Rodrigo Torres: Yes, there’s nice stuff coming in the future 😉
AS A CHILD WHO DID YOU WANT TO BECOME AS AN ADULT? DID YOUR PERCEPTION OF YOURSELF CHANGE MUCH WITH TIME?
Rodrigo Torres: Apart from all the crazy dreams when I was five (wanted to fly with the cape and all that wild stuff) I’ve always wanted to become someone that created things: paintings, comics, sculptures, cartoons… Time and experience shaped me into the professional that I am now, but at the end the perception of myself as that curious and creative kid stayed intact.
IF YOU COULD LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD YOU STAY?
Rodrigo Torres: Not sure yet… I would go to any place where you can find nice weather, lots of biodiversity and good vives, where my family is happy, fulfilled and prosperous.
AND TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU THINK YOUR HOMECOUNTRY INFLUENCES YOURDESIGN?
Rodrigo Torres: I’m not sure, In a globalized world influences come from everywhere. Thanks to internet and traveling, we learn from people from all around the globe, sharing know-how, experiences and points of view in a dynamic way we only dreamed before.
In my home country I learned the values that shaped me into a good person, from global influences and experiences, I became the professional that I am today.
CAN YOU TELL US WHAT YOU ARE WORKING ON NOW OR IS IT SECRET?
Rodrigo Torres: It’s a secret 😉
Discover Ics and Ipsilon by Poliform design Rodrigo Torres here
