Clayton RHULE

Mutlidisciplinary designer, Trinidad & Tobago

clayton, who was born in Jamaica, majored in sculpture-making at the edna Manley college of Visual and Performing arts in Kingston. he later went on to do his postgraduate studies in graphic design at the Florence design academy in Italy. ‘I design objects that take on a sculptural sensibility, which makes each piece stand out in any space,’ he says about his approach. ‘These objects tell the story of their journey into being. There’s beauty in the crafting, in the imperfections, and how they’re used.’ his work materialises in the form of furniture, lighting and sculpture.

‘sometimes the lines are blurred. I believe that the three-dimensional object plays an important role in how we see ourselves within our surroundings. It gives us a tangible thing to relate to, and that creates drama between human beings and the object.’

For this innovative designer, his craft is the ultimate exercise in play.

‘To follow your intuition and then refine to create a beautiful outcome that has a purpose far beyond its function. That’s the ultimate reward every time I create an object.’ he explains his creative process is anchored in sharing, and his intention is to surprise. ‘For them to be curious and want to know more, to be pushed to see more.’ he uses wood and metal consistently in his work as both have very specific attributes that he has grown to love, particularly the warmth of wood and variety of species, and the strength and structure of metal. he says surfaces are important to each piece:

‘I tend to keep flaws or aggravate surfaces to change the perception of the material. I also don’t finish my pieces heavily because I still want to smell the natural scent from the wood.’