Swiss-born Gilbert Riedelbauch has been based in Canberra since 1992. He identifies himself as a craftsman and silversmith, and works with computer-aided design (CAD) and rapid prototyping technologies to extend the scope of his work.

The objects Riedelbauch makes are not necessarily destined for production. He uses manufacturing technologies at the Australian National University School of Art, where he teaches, to make elements that cannot be made in other ways. He designs objects as potential prototypes for the lost-wax casting process, and adds handmade attachments. Sometimes he starts with handmade elements, and builds the other pieces around them.

He likes the interaction between traditional silversmithing techniques and rapid prototyping. To him, the virtual 3D space of the CAD program feels like an extension to his workshop.

You can see Riedelbauch's work in the new exhibition Smart works: design and the handmade, until 4 November 2007 at the Powerhouse Museum.

Smart works: design and the handmade

TAGS
+ Smart works: design and the handmade
+ Handmade
+ Mass-production
+ Studio production