David Roberts, MFA
University of Tennessee
Associate Professor
Sculptur / Drawing

Office:(405) 744-6016
Fax:(405) 744-5767
Email: roberdm@okstate.edu

David Roberts is an Associate Professor in the department of Art who has been on the faculty since 1973 where he has taught in the areas of sculpture, three dimensional design and drawing. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, he received his undergraduate degree in Art from Eastern Kentucky University in 1970 and his Master of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture from the University of Tennessee in 1972. A producing artist/teacher, he has been included in numerous competitive and invitational exhibitions on a regional and national level.
Roberts describes himself as an object maker who has employed a variety of materials and processes in the development of his work. The primary material used in his work has been metal by way of fabrication and casting processes. His sculpture has evolved over the years from large, non-objective steel structures to more intimate metal pieces referencing recognizable forms such as houses and boats as well as furniture forms. These pieces might be described as narrative in character using dark humor, social commentary and autobiographical allusions.

More recently he has begun employing the computer as a tool for developing ideas using the three dimensional modeling program 3D Studio Max. He has incorporated this ‘new’ tool in the design process for sculpture as well as for creating computer-generated animations of virtual sculpture within virtual environments. He views the computer as simply another component in the process, from idea development to the realization of the final sculptural form. He points out that it certainly does not replace the very real and tangible experience of handling materials and dealing with the physical labor of the accompanying processes inherent in the craft of object making.