Frederick Johnson

In total I have more than 40 years experience in the design field. Most my experience has been as a clay sculptor, but I have never passed on an opportunity to learn new processes, materials and methods. I am very experienced in the complete design development procedure from conception to finished product. The last 10 years at General Motors I was doing digital surface using Alias software. As lead sculptor on many production projects, I would assist in the clay finishing when necessary.

In the 1990’s in California at G.M.’s Advanced Concepts Center, I was assistant chief sculptor. We created concepts and show cards from scratch to running metal bodied prototypes, such as the Camaro, Corvette and Electric Vehicle. We pioneered the use of foam models, first by hand shaping, then milling, when Taurus first provided a credible mill capable of clay and soft foam cutting.

Just before working at G.M., I was an independent contractor with my own company, California Creative Design. My clients included many international companies and projects. Volvo was establishing a new studio in the Thousand Oaks area, North of Los Angeles. We created several scale models in the design director’s garage while the new location was being prepared. Other clients were: Kawasaki, Nissan, Boeing, Chrysler Pacifica, Sea World, Honda, Disney and many small companies like wind power systems making wind turbine composite blades.

Studio X-Gene contacted me last year to work in Shanghai, China, in my creative field as a senior clay sculptor and as a mentor to the younger sculptors. Also, it afforded the opportunity of experiencing life in Asia. I enjoyed the people and exploring the area. It felt really good to be active, creative and to use my talents and skills. Working in clay is both physically and mentally rewarding and stimulating.