An interview of Frank E. Cummings, III conducted 2006 December 28 and 2007 January 5, by Jo Lauria, for the Archives of American Art's Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America, in the artist's home, in Long Beach, California.
Cummings speaks of his childhood in Los Angeles and the challenges he faced in school; receiving a B.A. from California State University, Long Beach; working with troubled youth as a social worker with Neighborhood Youth Association; teaching at California State University, Long Beach while earning his M.F.A. at California State University, Fullerton through the Black Faculty Teaching Program; the invitation by Eudorah Moore to show in "California Design XI"; the importance of having his and his students' work published in Dona Meilach's book, "Creating Modern Furniture: Trends, Techniques, Appreciation"; the role of reflective surfaces in his work to capture the viewer's attention; using a diamond stylus to draw on glass; serving as the first M.F.A. graduate program coordinator at California State University, Long Beach; the development and creation of his famed clock, It's About Time, now in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; working as a gofer for Sam Maloof during a three day seminar at Yosemite National Park; receiving an invitation from Maloof to teach at Penland School of Crafts in Penland, North Carolina; his experiences at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Deer Isle, Maine.; the consistent drive throughout his career to continue working, exhibiting, and publishing; his love of teaching; the honor of receiving the Outstanding Professor Award at California State University, Fullerton, in 1997; receiving a National Endowment of Arts grant in 1973 to spend two months in Ghana, Africa examining connections between the African American struggle for identity in the ghettoes of the United States and struggles faced in Africa; returning to various regions in Africa in 1981 at the request of the State Department to evaluate and help increase object making productivity in villages while exhibiting his art in museums throughout the continent; his deliberate selection of materials; the role race has played in his career; his reverence of nature; designing furniture for the set of the movie, "How Stella Got Her Groove Back;" the development and creative process of the Carousel series; finding inspiration in his wife, C.C.; and plans for the future. Cummings also recalls Raymond Hein, Thomas Ferreira, James Prestini, Wendell Castle, William Hunter, Edward Cooke, Gerald W.R. Ward, Kelly H. L'Ecuyer, and others.
Biographical / Historical:
Frank E. Cummings III (1938- ) is a furniture maker and woodworker of Long Beach, California. Jo Lauria ( 1954- ) is a curator and art writer of Los Angeles, California.
General:
Originally recorded on 4 sound discs. Reformatted in 2010 as 4 digital wav files. Duration is 4 hr., 28 min.
Provenance:
This interview is part of the Archives of American Art Oral History Program, started in 1958 to document the history of the visual arts in the United States, primarily through interviews with artists, historians, dealers, critics and administrators.
Restrictions:
Transcript available on the Archives of American Art website.
The papers of African American painter, printmaker, and educator Marvin Harden measure 2.2 linear feet and date from circa 1936 to 2005. Found within the papers are biographical materials, correspondence, teaching files, exhibition files, printed material, artwork, and photographs. Correspondents include Joyce Tremain, Judy Chicago, Marion Lerner Levine, Jud Fine, Houston Conwill, Sandy Ballatore-Nelson, Nancy Lee Riegelmen, Eugene Anderson, Connor Everts, Pleter Plagens, Jan Stussy, Caroll Toon, William Wilson, and others. Artwork includes a book of etchings Natural Selections (1991).
Scope and Contents:
The papers of African American painter, printmaker, and educator Marvin Harden measure 2.2 linear feet and date from circa 1936 to 2005. Found within the papers are biographical materials, correspondence, teaching files, exhibition files, printed material, artwork, and photographs. Artwork includes a book of etchings Natural Selections (1991).
Biographical material includes papers pertaining to Harden's education and family history, including an essay written by his sister Lura Harden Miller.
Correspondence is with artists, colleagues, and organizations, including Eugene Anderson, Sandy Ballatore-Nelson, William Brice, Judy Chicago, Houston Conwill, Connor Everts, Jud Fine, Marion Lerner Levine, Pleter Plagens, Nancy Lee Riegelmen, Jan Stussy, Caroll Toon, William Wilson, Dobrick Gallery, Eugenia Butler Gallery, Gloria Cortella, Inc., Hank Baum Gallery, Jan Turner Gallery, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Museum of Modern Art, among others.
Teaching files primarily document Harden's career as an art educator at California State University, Northridge. Materials include teaching awards, assignments, course outlines, notes, and miscellaneous writings by Harden about his teaching philosophy. The files also contain correspondence and photographs with students, a student exhibition guest register, committee notes, memorandums, and evidence pertaining to an employment-related grievance with the university.
Exhibition files include announcements, correspondence, exhibition catalogs, floor plans, insurance documents, loan agreements, photographs, press releases, and price lists.
Printed material consists of announcements and invitations, exhibition catalogs, and a loose clippings scrapbook with articles and reviews about Harden's artwork and exhibitions. Also found is a copy of the first volume of the Journal published by the Los Angeles Institute of Contemporary Art, which includes a photograph of Harden and references to his involvement in developing the organization.
Artwork includes two sketches and an artists' book entitled natural selections which contains 12 aquatint etchings by Marvin Harden.
Among the black and white and color photographs are portraits and snapshots of Marvin Harden, family members, and colleagues, as well as Harden's home, studio, and land at Inwardness Ranch located near Cambria, California.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged as 7 series.
Missing Title
Series 1: Biographical Material, 1950-1991 (Box 1; 5 folders)
Series 2: Correspondence, 1964-2005 (Box 1; 0.6 linear feet)
Series 3: Teaching Files, circa 1964-2003 (Box 1; 0.4 linear feet)
Series 4: Exhibition Files, 1966-2004 (Boxes 1-2; 0.6 linear feet)
Series 5: Printed Material, circa 1964-2003 (Box 2; 0.6 linear feet)
Series 6: Artwork, 1989-2000 (Box 2; 2 folders)
Series 7: Photographs, circa 1936-2001 (Box 2; 7 folders)
Biographical / Historical:
Marvin Harden (1935- ) is an African American painter, printmaker, and educator living and working in California.
Harden received a Master of Fine Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1963. While there, Harden studied under John Paul Jones, Jan Stussy, and William Brice. He also became friends with UCLA classmate and feminist artist, Judy Chicago.
Harden's first solo exhibition was in 1964 at Ceeje Galleries in Los Angeles, California. His drawings, paintings, and prints have been exhibited widely in museums, galleries, and universities in southern California, and also in New Mexico, New York, and Texas, among other locations. Harden has also been the recipient of artists' fellowships awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts, John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, and Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art.
Harden became a Professor of Art at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) in 1968, and in 1984 he received a Distinguished Teaching Award and Exceptional Merit Service Award. During his career at CSUN, Harden established the art department's graduate teaching assistant program.
Provenance:
The Marvin Harden papers were donated to the Archives of American Art by Marvin Harden in 2005.
Restrictions:
Use of original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C., Research Center. Contact Reference Services for more information.
Rights:
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Teaching files primarily document Harden's career as an art educator at California State University, Northridge. Materials include teaching awards, assignments, course outlines, notes, and miscellaneous writings by Harden about his teaching philosophy. The files also contain correspondence and photographs with students, a student exhibition guest register and related material, committee notes, memorandums, and evidence pertaining to an employment-related grievance with the university.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C., Research Center. Contact Reference Services for more information.
Collection Rights:
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Collection Citation:
Marvin Harden papers, circa 1936-2005. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Campus and Community: Public and Land-grant Universities and the USDA at 150
Collection Creator:
Smithsonian Institution. Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Introduction:
The year 1862 marked the founding of two types of institutions that touch the lives of people across the United States and the world every single day: public universities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Public and land-grant universities and the USDA partner with communities to put research into action in the areas of agriculture and food, health care, sustainable living, urban and rural revitalization, and education. The 2012 Festival program brought these partnerships to life through demonstrations, discussions, and hands-on activities, focused around several themes.
Building on Traditions: Many programs at public and land-grant universities and the USDA build on traditional culture, using it as a bridge to the future. Connecting with community members - from preschool students to elders - enriches the learning and research of university students, faculty, and staff by tapping into traditional creative expression and scientific knowledge. From Hawaiian celestial navigation to Mexican American medicinal methods, these programs offer mutual benefits for communities and universities while helping to preserve important knowledge for the future.
Reinventing Agriculture: The study of agriculture was part of the original mission of land-grant universities. Today, land-grant universities - often through USDA-supported programs - conduct cutting-edge agricultural research, which leads to important breakthroughs in seed quality, crop yield, and food security. Similarly, community-based projects of the universities and the USDA benefit the nation and the world. Projects in this area of the Festival connected the best of the past to the promise of the future.
Sustainable Solutions: The future of our world depends on solutions to growing and harvesting more food, reducing waste, conserving water, and finding viable alternative energy sources. Land-grant and public universities and the USDA collaborate with farmers, foresters, fishermen, biofuel producers, and others to put sustainability research into action, making daily life "greener" for local, regional, and global communities.
Transforming Communities: What does it take to transform a community? Public and land-grant universities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture use the power of their research and outreach capabilities to partner with community members in ways that profoundly improve many aspects of daily life, including health, education, accessibility, and connectivity.
Visitors to the Campus and Community program exercised their green thumbs in our garden spaces; got advice from Executive Master Gardeners and learned how to grow their own pizza garden; attended a "mini-university" class on entomology, paleontology, sustainable energy, and many other topics; explored innovative ideas that communities are using to repurpose items usually considered trash; tried a wide variety of 4-H program family activities, from gardening with heirloom seeds to robotics competitions; enjoyed community-based music and dance, which helps preserve and nurture traditional knowledge and keeps students motivated; and shared stories about their personal experiences with public university and USDA programs.
Betty Belanus was Curator, with a Curatorial Team consisting of Kurt Dewhurst, Sandy Rikoon, and Pat Turner; Cristina Díaz-Carrera was Program Coordinator.
The program was produced in partnership with the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Sponsoring universities included University of California, Davis; University of Florida; University of Hawai'i; University of Illinois; Indiana University; Iowa State University; University of Maryland; Michigan State University; Mississippi State University; University of Missouri; Montana State University; Oregon State University; University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Texas A&M University; University of Vermont; Washington State University; and West Virginia University. Mississippi State University Bagley College of Engineering Dean's Advisory Council was a Donor. Federal support for the program came from the Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the Smithsonian Latino Center. The U.S. Forest Service and Francis Hamilton Fund for Excellence were Contributors. Friends of Mississippi State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Hawai'i Convention Center; McCullough Steel Products Inc., Mississippi; PetSmart Charities; and Sanderson Farms Inc. were Supporters.
Presenters:
Betty Belanus, Harold Closter, James Deutsch, David Edelson, Lorenzo Esters, Wendy Fink, Nancy Groce, Lisa L. Higgins, Marjorie Hunt, Suzanne Ingalsbe, Cathy Kerst, Helen Klaebe, Josh Lasky, Elaine J. Lawless, Mario Montaño, Tracy Parish, Sandy Rikoon, Pat Turner, Caren Wilcox, Kurt Dewhurst, Jon Kay
Participants:
Building on Tradition
Michigan State University -- Michigan State UniversityKatherine Eleanor Barnes, 1948-, East Lansing, MichiganJessica Virginia Barnes-Najor, 1974-, East Lansing, MichiganAnn Frances Belleau, 1966-, Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganAyana Belleau, 1998-, Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganCarly Belleau, 2000-, Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganGeorge L. Belleau, 1967-, Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganLexy Belleau, 2000-, Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganTerrie Lynne Denomie, 1961-, Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganBarbara Dye, Middletown, MarylandClaire Dye, Middletown, MarylandEthan Dye, Middletown, MarylandPatricia Ann Farrell, 1946-, East Lansing, MichiganDelores Fitzgerald, East Lansing, MichiganRuth Ann Goorhouse, 1948-, Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganEarly John Kilpatrick, 1955-, Sault Ste. Marie, MichiganMary Margaret Kilpatrick, 1955-, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
University of Hawai'i -- University of Hawai'iAlohilani M.K. Adachi-JoseAriana AkakaJonah AkakaKimberly Kainoa Ariola-SukisakiKakaihala'i AvilezRichard C.K. BarbozaSamuel BarrChad BaybayanPaanaakala BaybayanManette BenhamSharon Leinaala BrightUluwehi K. CashmanEdward Chung Cashman, Jr.Keola Kawaiulailiahi ChanLa'akea Kaleohaaheookeao ChanDoris Jane ChangeLauleipuaokalani A.O. CoenFrank DamasCarl I. EvensenArnel FergerstromRockne C. Freitas, Honolulu, HawaiiGinger L. HamiltonNicole Mehanaokala HindKalaihikiola A.T. Hind-BoydLui Hokoana, Honolulu, HawaiiHeidi Ilima Ho-LastimosaClaire K. HughesElijah Kalani IsaacVictoria Poliahu Ishibashi-NaboaStacey K. KaauaJoseph Keaweaimoku KaholokulaGordon Umialiloa KaiJanie Leinaala KaiPele Hosea KaioKeahikaaiohelo N. KanaheleKekuhi H. KanaheleDrew Eric HappAlvin Katahara, HonoluluKauilehuamelemele KauhaneLisa Lehue KaulukukuiJames Kanani Kaulukukui, Jr.Kekuhi KealiikanakaoleohaililaniEd KenneyMalu KidoLeslie Kaiu KimuraDerrick KiyabuJoanne Chieko Leong, Honolulu, HawaiiEcstasy LigonMele LookKevin George LopesNaomi C. Losch, Kailua, HawaiiGail Mililani Makuakane-LundinSummer Puanani MaunakeaRyan Martin Shinichi McCormackWahine Aukai MercadoLynne Keala Monaco, Honolulu, HawaiiGloria Ann MurakiTrina Nahm-MijoKatherine Kawhionalani NguyenScott NikaidoDerrik ParkerKapuaohooleiiaikapono Aluli SouzaDonald O. Straney, Hilo, HawaiiBruce Kukini SuwaNoel K. Tagab-CruzTammy M. TanakaTaupouri TangaroKeyra Marie TejadaTy Preston TenganGlenn I. TevesDanielle TorresRalstan Kaulana VaresEthel M. VillalobosLynne T. Waters, Honolulu, HawaiiClifford Watson, Ewa Beach, HawaiiKahealani Kuuipo WilcozPuanaupaka WilliamsMichelle Noe Noe Wong-WilsonMorgan Wright
University of Missouri -- University of MissouriLesley Barker, 1956-, Ste. Genevieve, MissouriJo Jean Britt-Rankin, 1967-, Columbia, MissouriCynthia Kay DeBlauw, 1964-, Columbia, MissouriLisa Lauren Higgins, 1963-, Columbia, MissouriLetitia Johnson, 1962-, Ste. Genevieve, MissouriRobert James Krumm, 1956-, Urbana, IllinoisElaine J. Lawless, 1947-, Columbia, MissouriLynda Lorenz, 1961-, Frohna, MissouriSusan Mills-Gray, 1958-, Harrisonville, MissouriLisa June Palmer, 1960-, Ste. Genevieve, MissouriJames Sanford Rikoon, 1953-, Columbia, MissouriStacy Jo Robb, 1955-, Jefferson City, MissouriLuAnne K. Roth, 1968-, Columbia, MissouriLeAnne StewartDennis Stroughmatt, 1971-, Albion, IllinoisMarie Tyrrell, 1977-, Blue Springs, MissouriIrene Natalie Villmer, 1938-, Cadet, MissouriJames Edward Willgoose, 1955-, Nashville, Illinois
University of New Mexico -- University of New MexicoAntoinette Gonzales, 1971-, Albuquerque, New MexicoRita Navarrete Perez, 1954-, Albuquerque, New MexicoEliseo Torres, 1945-, Albuquerque, New MexicoNieves Y. Torres, 1948-, Albuquerque, New Mexico
University of Texas-Pan Am -- University of Texas-Pan AmMirelle Yariela Acuña, 1985-, McAllen, TexasOrlando De Leon, 1981-, Edinburg, TexasRuben Lino De Los Santos, 1990-, Edinburg, TexasAaron Isai Enriquez, 1991-, McAllen, TexasMiguel Angel Galvan, 1989-, Mission, TexasAngelita Celeste Garcia, 1992-, Edinburg, TexasSteven Garcia, 1975-, Edinburg, TexasNathan Eric García, 1992-, Odessa, TexasDominga Andrea Garza, 1989-, Edinburg, TexasDahlia Ann Guerra, 1954-, Edinburg, TexasCésar Eduardo Jáuregui, 1977-, San Antonio, TexasErica Joanna Lazo-Elizondo, 1985-, Edinburg, TexasFrancisco Loera, 1971-, McAllen, TexasJuan Carlos Lopez, 1989-, Mission, TexasKarina A. Lopez, 1987-, Edinburg, TexasJuan Fernando Mendoza, 1979-, Edinburg, TexasDavid Abraham Moreno Quijano, 1990-, Sullivan City, TexasJose Luis Rangel, Jr., 1985-, Edinburg, Texas
West Virginia University -- West Virginia UniversityMelissa Ackerman, 1991-, Maidsville, West VirginiaBrad Bell, 1991-, Morgantown, West VirginiaCorey Bierer, 1992-, Morgantown, West VirginiaJustice Binegar, 1993-, Williamstown, West VirginiaGareth Blyth, 1992-, Ellwood City, PennsylvaniaNicoletta Ciampa, 1991-, Morgantown, West VirginiaIan Cicco, 1989-, Morgantown, West VirginiaJames Conkle, 1992-, Washington, PennsylvaniaZane Cupec, 1989-, Slippery Rock, PennsylvaniaJamal Davidson, 1991-, New Carrollton, MarylandBrian Falls, 1992-, Steubenville, OhioChristina Fantacci, 1987-, Morgantown, West VirginiaMatthew Finley, 1993-, Moon Township, PennsylvaniaJackson Flesher, 1990-, Grafton, West VirginiaRyan Frost, 1979-, Morgantown, West VirginiaChristopher George, 1988-, Westover, West VirginiaJessica George, 1987-, Westover, West VirginiaKaethe George, 1956-, Morgantown, West VirginiaElissa Laura Gross, 1986-, Washington, D.C.Larissa Hardin, 1990-, Pomfret, MarylandElliott Reid Hartman, 1992-, Burke, VirginiaAdam Honse, 1993-, Uniontown, PennsylvaniaHoward Keith Jackson, 1962-, Morgantown, West VirginiaAlicia Jordan, 1993-, Charlestown, West VirginiaAlison King, 1989-, Fairchance, PennsylvaniaPaul Kreider, 1956-, Morgantown, West VirginiaRafael Langoni de Mello Nunes Smith, 1987-, Morgantown, West VirginiaJohn Lofink, 1988-, Terra Alta, West VirginiaZachary Long, 1990-, Charlestown, West VirginiaElliott Mannette, 1927-Mitchell Marozzi, 1989-, Morgantown, West VirginiaRobert McEwen, 1992-, Oakland, MarylandAlexis Morrell, 1991-, Wheeling, West VirginiaCassandra Nelson, 1991-, Cassville, West VirginiaChristopher Nichter, 1980-, Morgantown, West VirginiaCorey Orban, 1990-, Maidsville, West VirginiaStephen Oswalt, 1993-, Coraopolis, PennsylvaniaSarah Plata, 1988-, Charleston, West VirginiaJohn Posey, 1990-, Wheeling, West VirginiaAndrew Rhodes, 1990-, Morgantown, West VirginiaCody Joseph Riggins, 1990-, Tunnelton, West VirginiaJennifer Sager, 1993-, Irwin, PennsylvaniaStephen Schramm, 1989-, Wheeling, West VirginiaThomas Seidler, 1991-, Wheeling, West VirginiaTyler Shreve, 1989-, Cumberland, MarylandAnne Stickley, 1993-, Fairfax, VirginiaAndrew Swisher, 1987-, Morgantown, West VirginiaMollie Talada, 1990-, Morgantown, West VirginiaAlaina Tetrick, 1990-, Morgantown, West VirginiaGregory Thurman, 1977-, Morgantown, West VirginiaMichael Vercelli, 1973-, Morgantown, West VirginiaRachel Weiss, 1987-, Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaWilliam J. Winsor, 1956-, Morgantown, West VirginiaMatthew Zeh, 1989-, Morgantown, West Virginia
Reinventing Agriculture
1890 University Consortium -- 1890 University ConsortiumWanda Agnew, 1949-, Bismarck, North DakotaAmber Marie Allery, 1995-, Bismarck, North DakotaCynthia Ann Allery, 1974-, Bismarck, North DakotaPatricia Elaine Aune, 1948-, Bismarck, North DakotaAnnette E. Broyles, 1960-, Bismarck, North DakotaRandolph Judson Two Crow, 1970-, Bismarck, North DakotaKamran K. Abdollahi, 1960-, Baton Rouge, LouisianaRobert Chambers, 1986-, Zachary, LouisianaWilliam Buell Bean, 1977-, Frankfort, KentuckyKimberley Holmes, 1971-, Frankfort, KentuckyKirk Pomper, 1961-, Frankfort, KentuckyAvinash Tope, 1967-, Frankfort, KentuckyTeferi Tsegaye, 1962-, Lexington, KentuckyJason Paul Challandes, 1981-, Newark, DelawareJohn W. Clendaniel, 1972-, Dover, DelawareRose Ogutu, 1966-, Dover, DelawareKathryn A. Onken, 1985-, Dover, DelawareAndy Joseph Wetherill, 1966-, Newark, DelawareEnrique Nelson Escobar, 1948-, Princess Anne, MarylandThomas Handwerker, 1951-, Princess Anne, MarylandBerran Rogers, Princess Anne, MarylandWill Getz, 1942-, Fort Valley, GeorgiaBrou Kouakou, 1962-, Fort Valley, GeorgiaSchauston Miller, 1939-, Fort Valley, GeorgiaChristopher Mullins, Petersburg, Virginia
University of the District of Columbia (Associate Member of the 1890 Consortium) -- University of the District of Columbia (Associate Member of the 1890 Consortium)Howard Franklin, Jr.Tyrone HensonHerbert HoldenAllyn JohnsonJudith Korey, Washington, D.C.Josh LaskyLyle LinkLillie Monroe-LordSteve NovoselSabine O'Hara, Washington, D.C.Douglas PierceTambra Stevenson
1994 University Consortium -- 1994 University ConsortiumElizabeth Campbell, 1979-, Bellingham, WashingtonSusan Given-Seymour, 1946-, Bellingham, WashingtonMeghan Frances McCormick, 1982-, Bellingham, WashingtonTheresa Parker, 1956-, Neah Bay, WashingtonMary Margaret Pelcher, 1960-, Mt. Pleasant, MichiganValerie Segrest, 1983-, Bainbridge Island, Washington
United States Department of Agriculture -- United States Department of AgricultureGeorge BowmanLincoln Bramwell, Washington, D.C.Rhonda Brandt, Washington, D.C.Russell BriggsEllen BuckleyDonna Burke-Fonda, Washington, D.C.Lorraine ButlerAnnie CeccariniJanette Davis, Washington, D.C.Tiffany EdmondsonJay Evans, Beltsville, MarylandMark Feldlaufer, Beltsville, MarylandSusan FugateLily GravitzRobert Griesbach, Beltsville, MarylandTina HanesJenna JadinRoxanne MacDonaldDuncan McKinleyLyndel Meinhardt, Beltsville, MarylandKelly Novak, Washington, D.C.Ronald Ochoa, Beltsville, MarylandJeff Pettis, Beltsville, MarylandMaggie Rhodes, Washington, D.C.Nichole RosamillaKristen TownsendJon Vrana, Washington, D.C.Caren Wilcox
University of Vermont -- University of VermontGeorge L. Cook, 1950-, Hyde Park, VermontEmily Vera Drew, 1989-, Underhill Center, VermontMark Isselhardt, 1976-, Hyde Park, VermontTimothy D. Perkins, 1961-, Underhill Center, VermontBrian William Stowe, 1963-, Johnson, VermontTimothy Roger Wilmot, 1949-, Underhill, Vermont
University of California, Davis -- University of California, DavisCharles William Bamforth, 1952-, Davis, CaliforniaGina Annette Banks, 1981-, Davis, CaliforniaKatrina Evans, 1980-, Woodland, CaliforniaJon Daniel Flynn, 1961-, Davis, CaliforniaSharon Campbell Knox, 1966-, Davis, CaliforniaLina C. Layiktez, 1970-, Davis, CaliforniaLaurie Ann Lewis Kinshella, 1950-, Davis, CaliforniaCheryl Purifoy, 1963-, Sacramento, CaliforniaChristopher Alan Reynolds, 1951-, Davis, CaliforniaAnn Elisa Savageau, 1945-, Davis, CaliforniaRobert Segar, 1955-, Davis, CaliforniaAbigail Elaine Selya, 1993-, Santa Rosa, CaliforniaCarol Hanling Shu, 1985-, Davis, CaliforniaHelen Xiomara Trejo, 1990-, Davis, CaliforniaPatricia A. Turner, 1955-, Davis, CaliforniaDiane E. Ullman, 1954-, Davis, CaliforniaVirginia Mae Welsh, 1972-, Davis, CaliforniaYi Zhou, 1988-, Davis, California
University of Florida -- University of FloridaErin Elizabeth Alvarez, 1977-, Gainesville, FloridaRuth Hohl Borger, 1957-, Gainesville, FloridaJacqueline K. Burns, 1956-, Auburndale, FloridaJamie Dianne Burrow, 1981-, Lake Alfred, FloridaJames P. Cuda, 1950-, Gainesville, FloridaLynne R. Cuda, 1951-, Gainesville, FloridaMichael Dale Dukes, 1972-, Gainesville, FloridaBetty Ann Dunckel, 1950-, Gainesville, FloridaMary Duryea, 1949-, Gainesville, FloridaEmily E. Eubanks, 1980-, Gainesville, FloridaSeth Charles Farris, 1988-, Davie, FloridaLyn Anne Gettys, 1965-, Davie, FloridaWilliam T. Haller, 1947-, Gainesville, FloridaGail Hansen de Chapman, 1956-, Gainesville, FloridaRebecca Grossberg Harvey, 1973-, Boca Raton, FloridaJohn Parker Hayes, 1955-, Gainesville, FloridaCarolyn Huntley, 1990-, Dunedin, FloridaDale Ann Johnson, 1960-, Gainesville, FloridaTyler Lennon Jones, 1981-, Gainesville, FloridaCassandra Jeaninne Lema, 1989-, Gainesville, FloridaLoy Reginal Markham, 1952-, Cedar Key, FloridaKathleen McKee, 1966-, Gainesville, FloridaBrian Niemann, 1981-, Gainesville, FloridaJack Payne, 1946-, Gainesville, FloridaAmy Nanette Richard, 1962-, Gainesville, FloridaLinda Ann Smith, 1963-, Gainesville, FloridaTimothy Matthew Spann, 1974-, Lake Alfred, FloridaLissette M. Staal, 1956-, Gainesville, FloridaTaylor Verne Stein, 1970-, Gainesville, FloridaLeslie Sturmer, 1951-, Cedar Key, FloridaJoy Vinci, 1981-, Davie, FloridaTimothy Lee White, 1951-, Gainesville, FloridaWilliam Robert White, 1974-, Clear Key, FloridaMegan Brooke Wichman, 1994-, Gainesville, FloridaTom Alan Wichman, 1963-, Gainesville, FloridaSara Elizabeth Williams, 1980-, Davie, FloridaRobert Anthony Witt, 1957-, Cedar Key, Florida
University of Tennessee -- University of TennesseeKate Armstrong, 1987-, Knoxville, TennesseeDiane Bossart, 1964-, Knoxville, TennesseeSteven Mason Davis, Knoxville, TennesseePeter Duke, 1987-, Knoxville, TennesseeKarl Langenberg Hughes, 1988-, Knoxville, TennesseeLauren McCarty, 1988-, Knoxville, TennesseeWilliam Miller, 1952-, Oak Ridge, TennesseeJason Pimsler, 1986-, Knoxville, TennesseeJames Rose, 1973-, Knoxville, TennesseeEdgar Stach, 1963-, Knoxville, Tennessee
Washington State University -- Washington State UniversityTammey Lynn Boston, 1958-, Pullman, WashingtonCharles Burke, 1961-, Pullman, WashingtonBrian C. Clark, 1957-, Pullman, WashingtonTherese Rose Harris, 1958-, Colton, WashingtonGwen-Alyn Hoheisel, 1975-, Prosser, WashingtonKathryn R. La Pointe, 1958-, Moscow, Idaho
Iowa State University -- Iowa State UniversityLynn Adams, 1962-, Red Oak, IowaSteven Lynn Adams, Red Oak, IowaTim Borich, Ames, IowaCorydon Arthur Croyle, 1953-, Ames, IowaJennifer Drinkwater, 1979-, Ames, IowaAmy Elizabeth Edmondson, 1990-, Ames, IowaLisa Marie Fontaine, 1957-, Ames, IowaJane Nolan Goeken, 1958-, Spencer, IowaJuan Himar Hernandez, 1977-, Ottumwa, IowaKaren Kay Lathrop, 1966-, West Liberty, IowaSandra Elizabeth Norvell, 1960-, Ames, IowaChitra Rajan, 1958-, Ames, IowaDavid Allen Ringholz, 1972-, Ames, IowaChristopher Ray Van Oort, 1991-, Ames, Iowa
Montana State University -- Montana State UniversityKiah Abbey, Bozeman, MontanaTom Calcagni, Bozeman, MontanaClayton Christian, Helena, MontanaJean Margaret Conover, 1977-, Bozeman, MontanaWaded Cruzado, Bozeman, MontanaKelly Gorham, Bozeman, MontanaJeffrey Brian Holloway, 1955-, Bozeman, MontanaJack Horner, Bozeman, MontanaJamie Drago Jette, 1949-, Bozeman, MontanaMichael Patrick Leiggi, 1954-, Bozeman, MontanaMiki Lowe, Bozeman, MontanaLisa Marie Lundgren, 1989-, Bozeman, MontanaSheldon L. McKamey, 1951-, Bozeman, MontanaLindsay Murdoch, Bozeman, MontanaCollin Nelson, Bozeman, MontanaMartha Potvin, Bozeman, MontanaChase Rose, Bozeman, MontanaJoseph Steffens, Bozeman, MontanaJoseph Thiel, Bozeman, MontanaAngela H. Weikert, 1982-, Bozeman, Montana
Texas A&M University -- Texas A&M UniversityCory Lynn Arcak, 1973-, College Station, TexasRobert T. Bisor, IIIBryan O'Neil Boulanger, 1976-, College Station, TexasBooker Stephen Carpenter, II, 1965-, State College, PennsylvaniaSherylon J. Carroll, 1959-, College Station, TexasJason D. Cook, 1973-, College Station, TexasJuan Gerardo Galvan, 1954-, Laredo, TexasCynthia A. Gay, 1955-, College Station, TexasR. Bowen Loftin, College Station, TexasSherif Ezzat Mabrouk, 1989-, College Station, TexasMichelle Jean Mumme, 1990-, Indianapolis, IndianaOscar Jesus Muñoz, 1950-, College Station, TexasLynn Novick, 1945-, College Station, TexasKaran WatsonChad E. Wootton
University of Illinois -- University of IllinoisBonnie Jo Buckley, 1950-, Charleston, IllinoisAmber Jo Buckley-Shaklee, 1984-, Charleston, IllinoisAnn CameronJupin Abraham Chacko, 1990-, Skokie, IllinoiKen Cleeton, 1960-, Effingham, IllinoisK.L. Cleeton, 1989-, Effingham, IllinoisStephen Paul Diebold, 1988-, Inverness, IllinoiLily DiegoKathleen Downes, 1993-, Floral Park, New YorkSusan Downes, 1963-, Floral Park, New YorkSarah FranzJon Richard Gunderson, 1958-, Champaign, IllinoisAzarmidokht HamidianBrad Hedrick, 1952-, Urbana, IllinoisTamar HellerEmily M. Hoskins, 1983-, Nashville, TennesseeErik Jenkins, 1992-, Crystal Lake, IllinoisGregory Jenkins, 1955-, Crystal Lake, IllinoisJeong-Suk Jin, 1956-, Saint Louis, MissouriKatherine Ann Johnson, 1954-, Champaign, IllinoisKathleen Ann Johnson, 1956-, Northfield, IllinoisJi-Hae Lee, 1983-, Saint Louis, MissouriPage Lindahl-Lewis, 1966-, Urbana, IllinoisAnne Marois, 1981-, Champaign, IllinoisElizabeth McBrideDeana McDonagh, 1965-, Savoy, IllinoisKatelyn McNamaraKeith MillerTimothy Nugent, Champaign, IllinoisKushal Parikh, 1987-, Darien, IllinoisTracy Michael Parish, 1979-, Champaign, IllinoisAlyson PatsavasMatthew RamirHadi Rangin, 1962-, Champaign, IllinoisLynn Marie Raymond, 1959-, River Forest, IllinoisVictoria Ann Raymond, 1991-, River Forest, IllinoisKristina ReisCarrie SandahlSheila M. Schneider, 1958-, Champaign, IllinoisScott Wilson Schwartz, 1957-, Urbana, IllinoisJoan SestakRoxana StuppKaren SwanSara VogtJill Lindsey Von Fumetti, 1991-, Johnston, IowaRandy John Von Fumetti, 1956-, Johnston, IowaAnne Rose Wessel, 1992-, Teutopolis, IllinoisMichael Todd White, 1987-, Champaign, IllinoisTiffany Wilkinson, 1984-, Mesa, Arizona
University of Maryland Extension -- University of Maryland ExtensionDavid Franc, Westminster, MarylandKathryn A. Franc, 1993-, Westminster, MarylandDenise Elaine Frebertshauser, 1969-, College Park, MarylandKathy Gordon, Westminster, MarylandKevin Eugene Haenftling, 1994-, Mountain Lake Park, MarylandChris Johnston, Centreville, MarylandAaron Lantz, 1994-, Mountain Lake Park, MarylandArlene Lantz, 1965-, Mountain Lake Park, MarylandWillie LantzPhil Malone, Mountain Lake Park, MarylandAmy Rhodes, Salisbury, MarylandAnn Carroll Sherrard, 1956-, Mountain Lake Park, MarylandAnne TurkosAmanda Wahle, Glen Burnie, Maryland
Family Activity Area
California State University, Fresno -- California State University, FresnoMaria Guadalupe Carrillo, 1988-, Fresno, CaliforniaJasen Michael Costa, 1988-, Tulare, CaliforniaPaulette Spruill Fleming, 1948-, Fresno, CaliforniaVanessa Guadalupe Fuentes, 1991-, Fresno, CaliforniaJerica Corinne Guzman, 1987-, Reedley, CaliforniaKristine Michelle Habib, 1968-, Fresno, CaliforniaRonda Yvette Kelley, 1967-, Fresno, CaliforniaSydney Shenae Morrow, 1991-, Seaside, CaliforniaVictoria Nichole Ornelas, 1988-, Fresno, CaliforniaWilliam C. Raines, 1953-, Fresno, California
Michigan State University
Oregon State University
Performing Artists
Dennis Stroughmatt et l'Esprit Creole
University of Texas-Pan American Mariachi Aztlán
The Guernsey Brothers
University of Hawai'i's Tuahine Troupe
Unukupukupu
West Virginia University's Steel Band Drum Ensemble
Collection Restrictions:
Access to the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections is by appointment only. Visit our website for more information on scheduling a visit or making a digitization request. Researchers interested in accessing born-digital records or audiovisual recordings in this collection must use access copies.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Collection Citation:
Smithsonian Folklife Festival records: 2012 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution.
An interview of Cindy Kolodziejski conducted 2007 May 5-16, by Frank Lloyd, for the Archives of American Art's Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America, at the Frank Lloyd Gallery, in Santa Monica, California.
Kolodziejski speaks of moving in her early childhood from Germany to Arizona and finally to California; the divorce of her parents at a young age and her feelings of abandonment; her desire as a young child to be an artist; the early influence of her grandmother, an art teacher; teaching herself how to draw by copying images and creating still-lifes; an influential art teacher in high school who encouraged her to pursue college-level art classes and attend art school after graduation; her decision to enroll at Otis College of Art and Design; her foundation art classes at Otis and increasing interest in ceramics; choosing ceramics as a medium because of its flexibility and of form and potential for imagery; the value of her art education to her career; earning a Master of Fine Arts degree while teaching at California State University, Long Beach; the union of form, function, and imagery in her work, especially seen in a recent exhibition at the Frank Lloyd Gallery titled "Reversal of Fountain"; using the University of California, Los Angeles, libraries to find images at first, and later searching the internet for inspiration; creating pieces which play with and explore gender issues and sexuality; being reviewed and featured in articles which are especially concerned with issues of the body and femininity; the documentation of her art in various periodicals and texts, including a piece she wrote for Ceramics Monthly concerning her own work; gaining exposure through these articles, which helped to advance her career; the painstaking and technical process required to fashion her works of art; showing at the Garth Clark Gallery very quickly after graduation; traveling to Greece, China, Nepal, New York, and Italy, and being influenced by the exposure to the different art and cultures; recent travels with her daughter to Italy and feeling excited and humbled by the beauty of certain works; giving a talk at the Getty Museum about a show entitled "The Royal Menagerie" featuring the Meissen large-scale porcelain animals; participating in group shows in museums, particularly the "Color and Fire" exhibit which showcased important ceramicists from 1950 to 2000; being awarded various grants and feeling that applying for those awards is a very worthwhile experience for many artists; teaching first at the high school level and then in college; her teaching methods; forming friendships with fellow artists and art teachers; integrating the use of technology into her art-making process by finding and manipulating images on the computer; feeling motivated to produce in a positive way for exhibition deadlines; the support and friendships that developed through exhibiting with the Clark Garth and Frank Lloyd galleries; the encouragement and support she has been shown by her family throughout her career; and categorizing herself first and foremost as an artist rather than a craft artist or ceramicist. Kolodziejski recalls, Lita Albuquerque, Jill Giegerich, Peter Lodato, Barbara Thomason, Roy Dowell, Eugene Sturman, Carol Caroompas, Tony Marsh, Ralph Baccera, Adrian Saxe, Ron Nagle, Roseline Delisle, John Mason, Jo Lauria, David Pagel, Garth Clark, and others.
Biographical / Historical:
Cindy Kolodziejski (1962- ) is a sculptor and painter from Venice, California. Frank Lloyd (1951- ) is a gallery owner from Santa Monica, California.
General:
Originally recorded on 4 sound discs. Reformatted in 2010 as 7 digital wav files. Duration is 4 hr., 10 min.
Provenance:
This interview is part of the Archives of American Art Oral History Program, started in 1958 to document the history of the visual arts in the United States, primarily through interviews with artists, historians, dealers, critics and administrators.
An interview of Robert David Brady conducted 2008 March 10-12, by Mija Riedel, for the Archives of American Art's Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America, in Berkeley, California.
Brady speaks of growing up in Reno, Nevada and developing a fondness for the desert and mountain environment around him; his first discovery and fascination with clay during junior high; a deep interest in symbols and the abstraction of language and how he has incorporated that into his work; studying art at California College of Arts and Crafts; continuing on to Mills College for graduate school; being drafted into the war and having to postpone his attendance to Mills College; finishing a Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of California, Davis; wanting to become a college professor; teaching at California State University in Sacramento; wanting to depart from dependency on the vessel; exploring with figurative objects; abandoning the vessel and adapting an interest in object making and mixed media; the influence of Mexico, in particular, the imagery of the Day of the Dead, on his work; firing techniques he learned in Mexico; the influence from Hal Riegger toward his education and development; specific works and the inspiration and process behind them; his departure from clay and experimenting with wood; various shows and his experiences working with different galleries and curators; his trip to Guatemala and the emergence of angels and other religious motif in his work; other traveling experiences and the influence each had on his work; his desire to return to clay and continue making pots; the craft community; the influence of Japanese pots; his personal beliefs toward academically trained and non-academically trained artists; and his opinion toward various art and craft magazines. Brady also recalls Vernon Coykendall, Robert Arneson, William Wiley, Manuel Neri, Debbie Butterfield, John Buck, Dick Notkin, Nancy Rubins, Roy de Forest, Hal Riegger, Dale Chihuly, and others.
Biographical / Historical:
Robert David Brady (1946- ) is a sculptor of wood and ceramics and a teacher from Berkeley, California. Mija Riedel (1958- ) is a curator and writer from San Francisco, California.
General:
Originally recorded on 4 sound discs. Reformatted in 2010 as 14 digital wav files. Duration is 6 hr., 47 min.
Provenance:
This interview is part of the Archives of American Art Oral History Program, started in 1958 to document the history of the visual arts in the United States, primarily through interviews with artists, historians, dealers, critics and administrators.
Topic:
Sculptors -- California -- Berkeley -- Interviews Search this
An interview of Merryll Saylan conducted 2006 May 20-June 5, by Glenn Adamson, for the Archives of American Art's Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America, at the Victoria & Albert Museum, in London, England.
Saylan speaks of her childhood in Los Angeles, California; her early musical education in piano and viola; memories of World War II; her family's political views during the Cold War; meeting her first husband at UCLA; dropping out of school to move to Virginia and Georgia in fulfillment of her husband's military service; experiencing anti-Semitism in Georgia; the challenges of her eldest son's speech problems; traveling to France, Japan, Guatemala, Hong Kong and the Philippines; her interest in Japanese culture; completing her B.A. in design at UCLA and her M.A. in studio art at California State University, Northridge; anti-Vietnam sentiment on campus; early interests in environmental design; her second husband and his friends; her interest in furniture and woodworking; differing approaches to woodworking on the east and west coasts; her views on feminism and working women; her use of color and texture in woodworking; teaching experiences; popular perception of her work; receiving a grant to go to England and her involvement with English and German woodturners; the lack of collector interest in her work; forced absences from working because of illnesses; serving on the boards of the American Association of Woodturners and The Woodturning Center; her involvement in the International Turned Objects Show, the Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Biannual Exposition, and the International Turning Exchange; her thoughts on future work. Saylan also recalls George Foy, Bob Stocksdale, Michael Cooper, Pamela Weir-Quiton, Joanne Rapp, J.B. Blunk, Marvin Lipofsky, Gail Fredell, Wendy Maruyama, Ralph Evans, Del Stubbs, Jerry Glaser, and others.
Biographical / Historical:
Merryll Saylan (1936- ) is a wood artist from San Rafael, California. Glenn Adamson (1972- ) is a museum professional, in London, England.
General:
Originally recorded on 7 sound discs. Reformatted in 2010 as 7 digital wav files. Duration is 6 hr., 9 min.
Provenance:
This interview is part of the Archives of American Art Oral History Program, started in 1958 to document the history of the visual arts in the United States, primarily through interviews with artists, historians, dealers, critics and administrators.
Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America Search this
Type:
Sound recordings
Interviews
Citation:
Quotes and excerpts must be cited as follows: Oral history interview with Frank E. Cummings, III, 2006 December 28-2007 January 5. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
An interview of William Morris conducted 2009 July 13-14, by Mija Riedel, for the Archives of American Art's Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America, at Morris' home, in Stanwood, Washington.
William Morris speaks of his decision to stop working in glass in 2005; his deep connection to the natural world; working now with stone; the longstanding theme of man and nature in his work; his influence on the studio glass movement; use of installations; relationship to the greater art world; Cache [1993]; the importance of working in a team, particularly with Jon Ormbrek; studio practice and philosophy of working in the studio; series Man Adorned and first use of the human form; how his work evolves artistically; the influence of his travels on his work and his particular affinity for Mesoamerican culture; the process of choosing his subjects; growing up in Carmel, California, and frequenting the museum at the Carmel Mission Basilica; his early fascination with Native American artifacts and history in the museum; childhood spent hiking in the hills around Carmel and youth spent camping and rock-climbing; art instruction during childhood; ceramics work in high school; introduction to ideas of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell by his high school teacher, Lloyd Baskerville; undergraduate work at California State University, Chico, working with Vernon Patrick; first experience with glass in high school, through the Fort Ord military base crafts department; brief studies at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington; arriving at Pilchuck Glass School, Stanwood, Washington, in 1977 as a shop assistant/maintenance person; his first encounter with Dale Chihuly; 10 years as Chihuly's main assistant and de facto apprenticeship; his greater overall technical education at Pilchuck; the development of his own team as he continued to work with Chihuly; working with Chihuly and Italo Scanga; the synergy of working in a group and artistic cross-pollination at Pilchuck; the influence and mentorship of Judy Pfaff; working with Italian glass masters at Pilchuck; the influence of Pino Signoretto; his trip with Chihuly to the British Isles, which inspired his series Stone Vessels and series Standing Stones in the mid-1980s; his practice of working in series; series Petroglyph Vessels, and the beginning of narrative in his work; the importance of naiveté, experimentation, and a "confidence in innocence"; series Artifacts; the influence of Donald Lipski on Morris' installations; series Burial Urns and series Burial Rafts; series Canopic Jars; commissions for George Stroemple; the genesis of the series Rhyton; the transcendental/mythic qualities in his work; series Crow and Raven; more discussion of series Man Adorned; series Rattles; collaboration with fashion designer Donna Karan; the importance of glass as a material, and the importance of "play"; the value of an apprentice-type program; his work in bronze and with Nancy Graves; series Cinerary Urns and coming to terms with the deaths of close friends; series Mazorca; series Idolo and Idolito; series Native Species (2006); series Fish Traps; more discussion of his decision to leave glassworking; documentary film Creative Nature, 2008; "Myth, Object, and the Animal" exhibition; the adventurous spirit of the American studio glass movement, particularly in the early years; his preference for short workshops rather than longer teaching sessions; the aesthetic continuity of his work throughout his career; his appreciation of the community of collectors of glass art. He also recalls Ken Wiese, Robert and Terrie Kvenild, Bertil and Ulrica Vallien, Gary Galbraith, Stan Price, Dennis Oppenheim, Kiki Smith, Dante Marioni, Livio Seguso, Marvin Lipofsky, Benjamin Moore, Jamie Carpenter, Checco Ongaro, Lino Tagliapietra, Ricky DeMarco, Flora Mace, Joey Kirkpatrick, Trumaine Mason, Karen Willenbrink, Ross Richmond, Randy Walker, John Hauberg, Stanislav Libenský, Graham Graham, Charlie Cowles, George and Dorothy Saxe, and Jack and Rebecca Benaroya.
Biographical / Historical:
William Morris (1957- ) is a glass artist in Stanwood, Washington.
General:
Originally recorded on 3 sound discs. Reformatted in 2010 as 7 digital wav files. Duration is 5 hr., 5 min.
Provenance:
This interview is part of the Archives of American Art Oral History Program, started in 1958 to document the history of the visual arts in the United States, primarily through interviews with artists, historians, dealers, critics and administrators.
Restrictions:
Transcript available on the Archives of American Art website.
An interview of John Cederquist conducted 2009 April 14-15, by Mija Riedel, for the Archives of American Art's Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America, at Cederquist's studio, in San Clemente, California.
John Cederquist speaks of his recent series Dollar Bill; his long-standing interest in perspective and use of tool imagery in his work; his childhood in Southern California; his early interest in art through custom car art; high school art instruction and focusing on craft; earning undergraduate and graduate degrees at California State University, Long Beach in the late 1960s and early 1970s; teaching at Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, California, starting in the early 1970s; work in wood and leather; other brief teaching jobs in Southern California universities; early exhibitions; exhibition and demonstrations at Parnham House, Beaminster, England, 1978; starting to teach perspective at Saddleback; Number One; the Egg and the Eye gallery/cafe, Los Angeles, California; Game Table [1982]; Auntie Macassar Goes West, 1987-88; philosophical and aesthetic differences between wood artists on the East and West coasts; exhibition: "Material Evidence: Master Craftsmen Explore ColorCore," Workbench: the Gallery, New York, New York, 1984; "California Woodworking," the Oakland Museum [of California, 1980; Thonet catalog as source material]; influence of animation in film and television; the perceptual and conceptual issues in translating two dimensions into three, and vice versa; the nature of illusion and perception; inclusion of work in an exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1989; the influence of How to Wrap Five Eggs: Traditional Japanese Packaging, Hideyuki Oka, Trumbull, Connecticut: Weatherhill, 1967; use of the Thomas Chippendale book (1754) as source material; subtle influence of cubism on Ghost Boy [1992] piece; his choice of furniture as the vehicle for his aesthetic exploration; series Furniture That Builds Itself (1991-2007), and continued influence of cartoons and animation; his choice of different kinds of wood; series How to Wrap Five Crates; series Kimonos and the influence of Japanese aesthetics; When Machines Dream of Hokusai [1995]: Road to Dreamland; series Wave (early to mid-1990s), and Tubular [1990], the first in the series; series Kosode; series This Is Not Lunch; historical Japanese tattoos as a source of inspiration; "Furniture That Builds Itself," Franklin Parrasch Gallery, New York, New York, 2003; sense of humor and "goofiness" in his work; Flat Foot Floogie Builds a Bench. [2003]; influence of photography on his work; his pieces as functional furniture and the artistic potential therein; social commentary in his recent Kosode pieces; Heavenly Victory; how his pieces get named; "The Art of John Cederquist: Reality of Illusion," Oakland Museum of California, 1999-2000; Breakthrough series: Steamer, early 1990s; Top Drawer (1985); Space Age Wave Machine (1999); use of thick wood instead of veneer; strengths and weaknesses of a university setting for art studies; the importance of being part of the craft movement; the role of Garth Clark's gallery in the movement; the importance of working with the Franklin Parrasch gallery; his admiration for art critic Robert Hughes; the role of online media in art journalism and criticism and journalism. He also recalls Gary Zuercher, Franklin Parrasch, John Snidecor, George Turnbull, John Makepeace, Edward S. Cooke, Garry Knox Bennett, Wendy Maruyama, Tom Gaines, Bob and Chris Straight, Arthur Danto, and Roberta Smith.
Biographical / Historical:
John Cederquist (1946- ) creates fine art furniture and wood sculpture. Cederquist is known for using trompe l'oeil in his work. He was educated at Long Beach State University and teaches at Saddleback College.
General:
Originally recorded on 3 sound discs. Reformatted in 2010 as 11 digital wav files. Duration is 4 hr., 54 min.
Provenance:
This interview is part of the Archives of American Art Oral History Program, started in 1958 to document the history of the visual arts in the United States, primarily through interviews with artists, historians, dealers, critics and administrators.
Restrictions:
Transcript available on the Archives of American Art website.
Occupation:
Cabinetmakers -- California -- Interviews Search this
An interview of Neda Al-Hilali conducted 2006 July 18-19, by Mija Riedel, for the Archives of American Art's Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America, at the artist's home, in Los Angeles, California.
Al-Hilali speaks of her childhood in Czechoslovakia and Bavaria; studying language in London; her experience living in Baghdad, Iraq with her first husband; moving to California and completing her undergraduate and graduate degrees at UCLA; teaching experiences at Scripps College, Claremont Graduate University, California State University Los Angeles, and UCLA; the installation processes of Beach Occurrence with Tongues, Black Passage, the Cassiopeia series, and others; frustrations she encountered with commission work; the rich history of the fiber tradition; travels to Afghanistan, Japan, and Oaxaca, Mexico; achieving gestural and painterly qualities with fiber; the importance of color in textile work in the Middle East; experiences with galleries, including the Hunsaker/Schlesinger Gallery in Santa Monica, California; utilizing a Ouija board for reflection and creative guidance; issues such as global warming and over-development; the status of women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule; the gratitude she feels at being a part of the fiber tradition; and plans for the future. Al-Hilali also recalls Bernard Kester, Jim Bassler, Fern Jacobs, Joyce Hunsaker, Alice Simsar, and others.
Biographical / Historical:
Neda Al-Hilali (1938- ) is a fiber artist and weaver in Los Angeles, California. Mija Riedel (1958- ) is a curator and writer in San Francisco, California.
General:
Originally recorded on 4 sound discs. Reformatted in 2010 as 22 digital wav files. Duration is 7 hr., 46 min.
Provenance:
This interview is part of the Archives of American Art Oral History Program, started in 1958 to document the history of the visual arts in the United States, primarily through interviews with artists, historians, dealers, critics and administrators.
An interview of Harlan W. Butt conducted 2009 July 27-28, by Mija Riedel, for the Archives of American Art's Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America, at Butt's studio, in Ptarmigan Meadows, Colorado.
Harlan Butt speaks of the influence of Asian art on his work; the use of text and imagery in his work; the use of pattern in his work; his undergraduate minor in weaving; the influence of Asian religion and mythology; series The Earth Beneath Our Feet , Garden Anagogies, and Snakes in Heaven; his childhood growing up in Hopewell, New Jersey, near Princeton; undergraduate work at Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; discovery of Buddhism and Eastern religions; his mother's death when he was 20; studying with Stanley Lechtzin and Elliot Pujol at Tyler; graduate school at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale; interest in Japanese tea ceremony; more exploration of Zen Buddhism; use of color in his work; studying with L. Brent Kington; reliquary series; move to Connecticut in 1974; second trip to Japan in 1984 to co-curate Kyoto Metal: An Exhibition of Contemporary Japanese Art Metalwork; introduction to Japanese system of artisan apprenticeship; early efforts as a writer and poet; the influence of poet Gary Snyder; summer teaching position at Rhode Island School of Design, Providence; teaching job at San Diego [California] State University in the mid-1970s; rattles and pipes series; exploring the Western landscape; the power of the snake image; taking a teaching position at University of North Texas, Denton (1976- ); first trip to Japan in 1980; differences in artisanal/metalworking practices in Japan and the United States; teaching workshops at various craft schools, Penland School of Crafts, Penland, North Carolina; Haystack School of Crafts, Deer Isle, Maine; and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, compared with teaching in a university; the pros and cons of the gallery system; work with the Nancy Yaw Gallery, Birmingham, Michigan; the challenge of commission work; National Parks Project, Denton Center for the Visual Arts, Denton, Texas; the role of haiku and text in his pieces; series 1,001 Views of Mt. Mu; series Snakes in Heaven; the influence of his wife and children; trip to India and organizing Colour & Light: The Art and Craft of Enamel on Metal, National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai, 2001; trip to Australia; involvement with the Society of North American Goldsmiths, Enamelist Society, and American Craft Council; subtle issues of environmentalism in his work; his affinity for metalsmithing and enameling. He also recalls [Rudolf] Staffel, Robert Winokur, Italo Scanga, Jan Brooks, Mike Riegel, Rachelle Thiewes, Eleanor Moty, Albert Paley, Shumei Tanaka, Ken Glantz (Ken Chowder), Randy Thelma Coles, Sandy Green, Mickey McCarter, Gene Pijanowski, Hiroko Pijanowski, Toshihiro Yamanaka, Helen Shirk, Ana Lopez, and Sarah Perkins.
Biographical / Historical:
Harlan W. Butt (1950- ) is an artist, metalsmith, and educator in Denton, Texas. Mija Riedel (1958- ) is a writer and independent scholar in San Francisco, California.
General:
Originally recorded on 4 sound mini discs. Reformatted in 2010 as 7 digital wav files. Duration is 5 hr., 19 min.
Provenance:
This interview is part of the Archives of American Art Oral History Program, started in 1958 to document the history of the visual arts in the United States, primarily through interviews with artists, historians, dealers, critics and administrators.
Restrictions:
Transcript available on the Archives of American Art website.
