April 5, 2011 at 9:05 am

The 100 Worlds Project [25 pics]

by twistedsifter

The 100 Worlds Project is an exhibition of globe-inspired sculptures made by Ron Miriello, in collaboration with a community of craftsmen, makers, photographers and amici. What started as a singular idea to ‘create for the sake of creating’ has evolved into something much more meaningful. See below for a full description of the project along with information on Ron and a small sample of the 100 Worlds Project.

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Sculpture by RON MIRIELLO

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Sculpture by RON MIRIELLO

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Sculpture by RON MIRIELLO

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Sculpture by RON MIRIELLO

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Sculpture by RON MIRIELLO

THE 100 WORLDS PROJECT BY RON MIRIELLO

The 100 Worlds Project began with a singular idea – to create for the sake of creating. To play and have fun as a child would. As a Creative Director of a design firm, Ron uses his creativity to benefit his clients. In the shifting tides of business climates and new paradigms, he felt the need to channel his creative energy into something that was pure. To challenge himself to be resourceful, to see everyday objects in a different way, and uncover new potential in objects and talents that were often overlooked.

Ron turned to a favourite childhood toy – the globe. A globe represents community, collaboration, communication, materials, people… These metaphors gave him inspiration, which lead to countless sketches and ideas. Objects he collected for years began to find their places.

People he knew began to provide vital skills and resources that helped complete each piece. Ron set a goal to create 100 unique globes. What he uncovered was far more than the sculptures he ended up creating: A renewed sense of vigor about the world, his community, and his purpose.

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Sculpture by RON MIRIELLO

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Sculpture by RON MIRIELLO

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Sculpture by RON MIRIELLO

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Sculpture by RON MIRIELLO

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Sculpture by RON MIRIELLO

RON MIRIELLO

Some background: The Miriello family has a tradition of craftsmanship of sorts. Tailoring, cabinet and instrument making are all skills that came over from Italy. So maybe it’s not far fetched that Ron would define a project to sculpt 100 globes. Ron was born in New Jersey, spent his years after grade school in Colorado, where he attended Colorado State University, in graphic design, with a minor in sculpture.

After graduation, he spent time in Italy where, among other adventures, he interviewed craftsmen and documented their work in sketches, photos and writings. In 2002, Ron bought Casa Illuminata, a small home near Siena, where he now works on his projects whenever he can get away.

For commerce: Since 1982 Ron has directed the graphic design and brand development firm, Miriello Grafico. The firm operates from of an old warehouse he renovated in Barrio Logan, a working waterfront area of downtown San Diego. “The Logan” is a project that is similar to 100WP – a collective of creative professionals, working in a supportive environment that attracts others to come and play – growing stronger than its parts.

In his role as Miriello Grafico’s Creative Director, Ron helps clients clearly define who they are, what business they are in, and what makes them unique in the marketplace. He and his team work relentlessly to create the most effective and powerful ways to communicate discoveries and insight’s about a client’s business.

A Creative Director’s role is to encourage and practice collaboration in the truest sense. Sharing ideas, nurturing them and applying it to its full potential. In many ways, Ron has applied the same principles of creative problem solving and simple storytelling to his 100 Worlds Project – a collaborative approach and a unifying “story” that invites others contribute and shape a larger vision.

“One of the things I’ve enjoyed most with 100WP is NOT having a plan. Letting the pure creative side of my brain drive for a while, and letting the business side to just ride along. It’s been refreshing to see how far and how smart the creative/design-smart side can go without interference by the usually bossy business and research side.”

About Italy: Italy plays a significant part in how Ron sees the world. And it continues to teach, in big and small ways:

The experience is more important than the money.
There’s great wisdom behind those old faces.
Imperfections can also be gifts.
Beauty is not an extravagance.
Fitting in is overrated.
Doing things the right way takes longer.
Tradition has its place.
Everything tastes better with olive oil.