At Not By Design (NBD) we focus on the evolution of creative ideas allowing for a multitude of outcomes. NBD leaves ego at the door. We play with design principles, explore hybridity and love to creatively upcycle whenever we can and are constantly challenging our skill set.
NBD Founder Stedman Watts is an artist/maker who believes making should be for everyone - not just the able-bodied. In 2020 he was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, after decades of chronic illness.
Over the last ten years he has undergone seven major surgeries, and joint replacements, to assist him to continue to walk and retain as much mobility as possible.
Stedman studied printmaking and sculpture at the ANU School of Art. Over the last ten years he has worked not only on his own projects, at his own pace, but alongside other artists, on ambitious large scale projects.
Stedman grew up on a citrus farm in regional Victoria, on the banks of the Murray. He still longs to wield a hammer and break out his angle grinder, his condition however has required him to find alternative ways to work.
Stedman has worked hard developing creative methods of making to assist him accommodate his physical limitations. He is passionate about embracing new technologies and merging them with more traditional means of making.
Not By Design (NBD) emerged through a collision of challenging circumstances and now thrives as a passionate collective of creative possibility.
Stedman and his partner, artist Katy Mutton, currently live between Canberra and Mildura creating, exploring, making and collaborating.