Shaun Rolfes

Growing up in Brainerd Minnesota, I was rarely exposed to well designed buildings and progressive art. It was up to the individual, to go out of their way to gain a new experience of the world. Instead of being exposed to architecture and contemporary, the person growing up in Northern Minnesota was exposed to nature. Escaping to the forest was the only way to think differently; to see the world from a different perspective. I saw the decaying city of Brainerd as I would venture into the woods and relax on the Mississippi river.

I have always loved hanging out in nature. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter and when summer would come around, hiking through thick woods and relaxing on a variety of lakes was the norm. When I wanted to see humanity from a civil perspective, I would venture to Minneapolis (one of the few cities that I love in Minnesota). Going to concerts at First Avenue and wandering around the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) as well as getting lost in the WALKER was a common excursion. Minneapolis opened my mind to what it takes to become a good designer.

This coexistence of nature and urbanity that exists in Minnesota made me this radical thinker that I am today. I am cautious and considerate towards the environment and critical of city life. Music, contemporary art, and nature have been my major influences as a young designer.