ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Winthrop University Galleries is currently featuring the exhibition “Bespoke Objects” by Frankie Flood in the Elizabeth Dunlap Patrick Gallery. The exhibition runs through March 8. An opening reception will take place Friday, Jan. 25, from 6:30-8 p.m.
“Bespoke Objects” features a look at Flood’s inventive work creating functional objects, including 3D printed prosthetic hands, self-sizing jewelry and unique tools for use around the home.
“I am devoted to a simple goal… to move the art and technology of Craft forward by looking to the past,” Flood said in his artist statement. “With this work, I get to do one of the most wonderful things imaginable, and that is, create new and innovative one-of-a-kind objects.”
Flood’s interest in machines and tools and the influence of his working-class upbringing are a source of inspiration for the functional objects that he creates. The potential that craft has to serve local and global communities through design and fabrication has been the focus of Flood’s recent research as he continues to combine traditional craft practice with digital technology. His recent research regarding 3D printed prosthetics and one-of-a-kind adaptive devices has spread worldwide, and his creation of the Digital Craft Research Lab has created new areas of study for students interested in digital fabrication.
In conjunction with the exhibition, Flood will lead a 3D Printed Hand Construction Workshop on Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. in the CreatorSpace located in G26 Rutledge Building. During the workshop, Flood will discuss his involvement in creating 3D printed prosthetic hands for children all over the world, and will walk participants through the process of assembling a 3D printed hand.
Later that evening, at 7 p.m., Flood will present an artist talk in 119 Rutledge, where he will discuss the potential that craft, design and fabrication has in serving local and global communities.
Flood is an associate professor and area head of the metalsmithing and jewelry design area at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Flood previously served as director of the Digital Craft Research Lab at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and for 11 years served various roles in the Department of Art, such as director of Foundations, area head of the jewelry and metalsmithing program, and coordinator for the B.A. in digital fabrication and design. Flood is a graduate of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he received his Master of Fine Art degree in metalsmithing. He exhibits nationally and internationally, and his work has received many awards and has been published widely.
All exhibitions, presentations and receptions are open and free to the public, unless otherwise noted. Galleries hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. except on university holidays and in between exhibitions.
For more information, visit the website or call 803/323-2493.
