As a society, we like to mold, manufacture, and alter what’s around us. We create structures from the materials around us, and we structure within ourselves. I am interested in these structures we create. My photography explores the perceptions we create to understand our ideas of the self. The photos I create are both literal and fantastical productions of thought and identity, from depicting a relationship through an object to recreating my dreams. My sculptures explore the relationships between people and materials, through physical labor and societal contexts. This has taken the form of ceramic cones made from desert clay protecting desert vegetation and landmarks. Subtle ideas of labor are present in my work, through time and physically consuming processes such as welding. Labor is also placed on the viewers, as my works block, reach into, and exist in space.

Nicholas Robles (b. Cincinnati, OH) recently graduated from Stanford University in 2022, completing a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Art with Honors. Inspired by studies in metalworking, brick production in Bangladesh, and being situated in Silicon Valley, the mediums he works in expands from rusted steel to ceramics to virtual/digital works. Leveraging an education in manufacturing, his practice is very material driven at the same time as conceptually diving into contemporary societal issues. Nicholas’ works have been displayed at various Stanford events from Engineering Maker Fairs to art faculty curated exhibitions to student-led exhibitions. He is working as a mechanical engineer on assistive technology. In his artistic practice, Nicholas is exploring alternative gallery spaces for exhibitions, producing large-batch ceramics collections, and doing collaboration projects with other artists.

2016 - 2022

Stanford University, Stanford, California

    B.A. in Art Practice with Honors

    B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Stanford University, Stanford, California

    M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Instagram: @roblesstudio