JULY 2008 MASTER CLASS

THE BIG MAKING QUESTIONS: WHY, WHY NOT, WHAT, HOW
5 Days at The Ranch with
Robert Dancik and Kristi Zevenbergen

Why do we keep things like old ticket stubs, keys to cars we no longer own, a lock of someone’s hair, an earring with no mate, a used book of matches? Why? Because these are not just objects, these are the reservoirs of memories. They protect us from forgetting. They afford us comfort. And why do we combine these with other objects and fashion them into items such as rattles, wall art and personal adornment? Because at heart we are storytellers. These objects are amulets and talismans – objects to which we attach importance or power -- and each one tells a story.

We are compelled to give them voice and form. To make art. And we make art because we can’t not.

And so, we explored many and varied materialsfrom a perspective of intention as well as process. We considered the narrative characteristics and possibilities inherent in materials such as concrete, epoxy resins, rock-like paper pulp mache, faux bone®, enhanced plaster. As we learned and applied processes and procedures that truly gave voice to the material in combination with personal objects and each other.

We also looked at traditionally relevant and complementary art forms including fibers and basketry -- and learned to apply weaving, plaiting, braiding, knitting and twining techniques to wire and metals. Building a matrix of technique, material, process and procedure.

Students and teachers from several states enjoyed 5 terrific days with two of our favorite instructors – and, as it turns out: chefs!! One evening included a monster wild salmon grilled with fresh veggies – a mint, watermelon, feta salad – and Ronna’s killer chocolate, raspberry etc layered dessert (and, of course, various lovely things to drink!) Mmmmmmmm!

Though Robert is moving to England, he will return to The Ranch next Fall. And Kristi will continue to teach as the year passes.

WHAT ART TEACHES US

It happened a few years ago, while I was teaching for a local School District, and it is still one of my fondest memories as a teacher: Cameron was about 13. He had just cut his first two perfect circles in glass, and was proudly carrying them across the room to show me when they crashed to the floor. One look at his eyes told me this was going to be a character-defining day. All the words I had spoken about “listening to what your piece wants to be”, “happy accidents” and “getting through the dark place” were about to be put to the test.

We learned a lot about the properties of glass that day. And the properties of artists. We learned about control – when you think you have it, and don’t. We learned to look at our work from a different perspective. To look again – and again. And Cameron learned a lot about himself: he picked up the pieces and went on. From those broken shards he created a lovely bowl that he called “Phoenix”.

“Phoenix” by Cameron Skeith was awarded a Gold Medal at Scholastic’s National Art & Writing Awards. As I sat in Carnegie Hall and heard his name called, I wished that the Judges could have known “the rest of the story”.

- Randi Harper
Owner/Founder, The Ranch

“Phoenix” was exhibited at The Renwick Gallery in Washington D.C, and toured the US for 2 years. Scholastic (www.scholastic.com) is committed to identifying emerging artists for college scholarship consideration, and investing in the critical role of creative development for youth beginning in 7th grade. Since 1923, The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have encouraged more than 13 million student participants; recognized more than 2.5 million young artists and writers; and distributed more than $25 million in awards and scholarships.

JANUARY 2008 MASTER CLASS

"Paper Clay" with Jerry Bennett

Teachers and students from diverse disciplines spent three days working with Jerry Bennett at The Ranch in January ’08 – exploring the myriad of ways they might include paper clay in their own body of work.

In addition to learning about the characteristics of the material itself – we explored scale, as paper clay can be used from miniature – to monumental forms. We looked at the complex structures of Mr. Bennett’s current body of work – as well as the path that led him to becoming one of the foremost experts in this media.

Mr. Bennett has taught for nearly 30 years. He holds a Masters in Ceramics & has exhibited and presented internationally. Publications include: PaperClay, Ceramics Monthly, International Ceramic Studio, Clay Times, etc. He currently teaches at The Clay Studio & Holy Family University in Philadelphia; and summers in Hungary.

It was exhausting, invigorating – and inspiring! And Jerry was a generous and dynamic teacher. Students learned that, with paper clay, the answer to most questions is: “You bet you can!” So, don’t be surprised to see paper clay appearing in a few new places in the Pacific Northwest art scene!!

To see more of Mr. Bennett’s work, visit: www.JerryBennett.net

JUNE 2007 MASTER CLASS

“Faux Bone™ Possibility & Process” with Robert Dancik

In his first Pacific Northwest Workshop, Robert Dancik brought Faux Bone™ to The Ranch in Snohomish. Students from Calgary, California and the Pacific Northwest enjoyed 3 marvelous days learning about the properties and possibilities of this amazing new material. We also explored the how-to’s of combining Faux Bone™ with a broad spectrum of materials (ie: epoxy resins, rock-like paper pulp, enhanced plaster, concrete, polymer and metal clays, Plexiglas, found objects, etc) in design and fabrication processes.

Robert holds a Masters degree in sculpture and a BA in fine art and has been an artist/teacher for more than 30 years. He has a warm and engaging spirit, and a delightful teaching style! Robert teaches workshops at art centers in the US and abroad and exhibits his jewelry and sculpture in museums and galleries across the US and in Europe and Japan. He is currently featured in Facere’s “Pins for Men” show Sept 19 – Oct 3 in Seattle, WA www.facerejewelryart.com

Robert Dancik’s work is legendary and is included in numerous collections including the Wustum Museum of Art, Boeringer- Ingleheim International, Schamberger International, Mitsubishi International-Japan, Gallery of Art and Design, North Carolina State University. His work is featured in many books including “PMC Decade”, “Fine Art of the Tin Can”, “1000 Rings”, “The Art of Resin Jewelry,” and “Creative Metal Clay Jewelry”, and magazines including “Niche”, “Art Jewelry”, “Lapidary Journal” and “Perspectives”.

Robert is the originator of Faux Bone™, an amazing new material for artists involved in jewelry, artist’s books, sculpture, and many other artistic disciplines. He lives in Oxford CT. where he is an avid cook and collector of toys, maps, and compasses. www.robertdancik.com

We are thrilled to be bringing Robert back to The Ranch in July 2008.