About DBR Sculptor Studio
Wabi Sabi Pareidolista
Don Rochelle's artistic journey began in the heart of San Antonio, Texas, where he was born and raised. His childhood was a tapestry of outdoor adventures, from sports and kayaking to hunting and fishing. These early experiences imprinted a deep appreciation for nature on his young mind. By the age of 10 or 12, Rochelle’s creative instincts had already surfaced as he began crafting leather belts and dabbling in carpentry. This budding artist displayed an insatiable curiosity, bringing home rocks, wood, and even animal elements from his many excursions.
As he moved into his teenage years, Rochelle’s artistic inclinations took a new shape through the lens of a camera. His foray into photography through his twenties laid the groundwork for his later explorations in visual and tactile art forms. Though his family wasn’t heavily steeped in artistic pursuits, Rochelle's father possessed a talent for drawing, hinting that creativity ran in his genes.
Rochelle’s educational path took a divergent route from traditional art training. He obtained a master's degree in business, a qualification that became his passport to global travel and a life enriched by diverse cultures. His career took him to the bustling art scenes of New York, Mexico City, Europe, South America, and even China. Despite the demands of his professional life, Rochelle always found time to engage in some form of artistic expression. Now, with more freedom, he dedicates significant time to collecting materials and transforming them into art.
The essence of Rochelle’s work lies in a concept that can only be described as instinctual perception. He is naturally attuned to pareidolia, the phenomenon of seeing faces, bodies, and animals in inanimate objects. This intuitive recognition drives him to seek out elements with exotic, natural shapes and transform them into functional art pieces that retain their artistic integrity, even when they are at rest. His love for tactile materials like wood, rocks, and metal informs his subject matter, each medium offering its unique qualities and challenges.
Rochelle's creative process is both adventurous and methodical. It begins with an immersive engagement with diverse environments. He hikes through wooded trails, navigates waterways, scours metal recycling centers, and even rummages through industrial dumpsters. These explorations enable him to discover materials brimming with hidden potential. His technique is an amalgamation of carving, chainsaw work, grinding, welding, carpentry, and polishing. Each piece evolves through these varied methods, resulting in singular works of art that embody the philosophy of Wabi Sabi—a celebration of imperfection and transience.
Self-taught and driven by boundless curiosity, Rochelle’s unique technique has grown from relentless research, hands-on experience, and mentorship from other artisans. This approach ensures that every piece he creates is distinctive, with no duplicates—each a handmade testament to his vision.
His portfolio is a reflection of his soul, and projects like the Cypress Log Lamp "Organic Radiance" and the rock sculpture "Doppelganger" hold special places in his heart. These works are not just art; they are functional, captivating, and deeply personal. Influences spanning from Mother Nature to modern sculptors like Andy Goldsmith, George Tobolowsky, and Thierry Martenon infuse his work with a rich tapestry of inspiration.
Though Rochelle is not currently affiliated with any artist organizations or galleries, and lacks a resume of awards or major exhibitions, his art has already touched those who have encountered it. Words like "unique" and "beautiful" often surface when people describe his work. The outdoord continue to serve as his relaxation outlets, though his day job in real estate also overlaps intriguingly with his artistic endeavors, offering him exposure to diverse tastes and continuous inspiration.
Ultimately, Rochelle envisions a future where he devotes himself fully to sculpture and functional art. He firmly believes that art and music are the bedrock of society, conveying values, beliefs, and cultural mores through their very existence. His goal is to contribute meaningfully to this dialogue, offering pieces that are as transformative in their functionality as they are in their aesthetic presence.