The Circle Gallery in the front corridor of CED’s Jackson Street Building has been home to a wide range of inspiring and award-winning exhibitions over the years. We are truly thrilled to be opening up this year’s gallery calendar with DESIGN (SKETCH) PROCESS, a “behind the scenes” tour of CED Lecturer Cameron Berglund’s work through 17 years of professional practice. The exhibition uses a combination of interactive elements and Berglund’s pieces to highlight the pivotal role that both hand and digital sketching plays in the design process.
The show includes both observational sketching and final design work to show the progression of ideas and projects over time. Designs shown include work Berglund completed at different design firms, including Koons Environmental Design, DTJ Atlanta, and AECOM. When asked if there were any favorite pieces within the collection, Berglund said there were simply too may to choose from. He did, however, share the stories behind two special pieces visitors will see on display.
Berglund said the Bones of the Giant interactive sculpture and treehouse at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is the “all-time favorite thing [he’s] ever helped designed.” True to form, his affection for this project is rooted in its process. “Researching, studying and exploring the awesomeness of the American Chestnut tree and its decline was fascinating, especially for a unabashed Dendrophile — tree lover — like me,” he said. “Then to dream and design how folks could explore and experience these trees ‘at scale’ was too much fun. The detailing and craftsmanship on the construction is also amazing.”
While Berglund’s designs feature many local spaces like the botanical gardens, he also highlighted his experience creating a sketch at a site over 9,000 miles away. “One of my favorites is the sketch I got to do while visiting Angkor Wat historic site in Cambodia,” said Berglund. “I got to sit in the giant and surreal Bayon Temple, sketching and painting for hours using local banana leaf paper I purchased. Such a rad place to visit and see.”
The exhibition’s emphasis on process and participation demonstrates that even though sketching is often a solo activity, design is anything but. “Although the drawings on display are all mine, design is a collaborative process so many people helped to sculpt, refine and create these ideas,” Berglund said. “Additionally, even beyond the design team, there was lots of collaboration and interaction with the clients to hone these concepts.” That spirit of collaboration also informs the interactive aspects of the exhibition where viewers can sketch their own pieces to contribute to the show.
“Visitors are invited to sketch some of the objects on display, with the help of viewfinders,” Berglund explained. “The idea is that any visitor can grab a pencil and sketch some of the objects that will be on display for this purpose, then add their sketch to the visitor wall.” It’s an invitation to engage with design process first-hand, and Berglund hopes it will also encourage visitors to keep exploring the joy of sketching outside the gallery walls. “Learning to draw is a process that can be learned if practiced and ENJOYED. That, at least, has been my experience!”
See the exhibition first hand at the grand opening on Thursday 8/25, 5-7pm.
