Digital Tools for Sculptural Practice: From Concept to Collaboration

How do artists transform sculptural ideas into built reality? This lecture explores therole of digital tools in bridging creativity and execution for large-scale installations. Drawing on his experience as a designer and fabricator, Chip Clark will address high-level workflows that help artists visualize concepts, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and translate complex forms into fabrication-ready processes.

Topics will include:

• Conceptual workflows: Using digital platforms to refine and communicate artistic vision.
• Planning and communication: How tools support collaboration between artists, engineers, fabricators, and municipalities.
• Relationship-building: Strategies for fostering trust and effective teamwork across disciplines.
• Case studies: Insights from Chip’s work on monumental sculptural installations in Chicago and New York City, and architectural research projects.

Rather than focusing on specific software and tutorials, the session emphasizes process, planning, communication, and limitations—showing how appropriately-leveraged digital tools and processes can serve as bridges between artistry and realization.

Biography

Chip Clark is a multidisciplinary designer, fabricator, practicing Architect, and former educator whose work bridges the worlds of digital and traditional design and making. He earned Bachelor and Master of Architecture degrees from Virginia Tech and spent over a decade teaching in architecture programs, where he contributed to award-winning design/build research and pedagogy using advanced computational design and fabrication tools.

Chip’s artistic practice specializes in the translation of complex digital forms into fabrication processes that can be made tangible, working across scales from furniture and sculpture to boats and buildings. He has been a critical member of internationally recognized projects, including the design and fabrication of sculptures by Santiago Calatrava in Chicago and New York City.

Equally at home behind a welding mask or a computer screen, Chip brings a unique perspective on how democratized digital tools can further empower artists to realize creative works through collaboration, planning, and craft.

Location:

This event will be at Bamboo Grand Rapids in their theatre space.

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