Abby Leon, Paradigm Gallery Director
TRY NEW THINGS. That’s the mantra for this Let’s Talk SHOP, as Artist Ralph Stuckman is wired this way. He approaches all aspects of his life with a sense of wonder and discovery, but especially his creative endeavors. Ralph keeps the magic alive through experimentation while staying true to his inner artistic expressions painting on mediums such as clay, metal, and paper. He has even wowed us with resins! Through the years of showing his work at Paradigm, Ralph has gained a loyal following and enriched the minds of many with his approach to art!
Since 1973, I have been an experimental artist beginning with clay hand-built creations, pottery wind chimes, wheel turnings, raku works, and linocuts. My artistic voice now concentrates on using alcohol inks. It has such a rich and historical background, starting with cave people. Examples of these inks became widely known in Europe 3,000 years before the birth of Christ. After 1944, these creations increased in number as artists craved more individual freedom in their expressions. These artists now flourish in number. Yet, these works are still relatively unknown, as I get so many questions about them.
I took two wonderful workshops in Alcohol Inks at the Middletown Art Center. While sitting next to a brain surgeon in one class, it was quite evident that his expressions were small and very methodical. In contrast, my creations became large and rather explosive.
Soon, my adventures took place at the Paradigm Gallery at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Abby Leon displayed my magnets created with alcohol inks with successful results. Recently, Abby added my note cards to the Gallery. I am now better known as an abstract artist who takes pleasure as more and more people see people and scenes in these “abstractions”!
In 2022, my commitment to alcohol inks became further cemented as a foundation. My wife and I moved to the Otterbein Lebanon (OH) Retirement Community. It has an excellent Creative Art Center directed with a fine and joyful coordinator by the name Janna Morrison. She has an amazing knowledge of alcohol inks and highly encouraged me to do note cards in this medium.
I look forward to more challenging projects with alcohol inks. Yet, my desire is to recognize my past and present achievements as an artist. My proudest moments will be a further grounded artist with the Fort Wayne Museum of Art!
Process Steps
For these creations, I selected three colors of alcohol inks. As one color was dropped on yupo paper [synthetic, waterproof paper], I noted effects taking place. This notation helped me to decide on what my second color might be. Then, I added a third color to complete my initial design. More colors were used to complete my note cards.
Specialized Steps
Alcohol ink bottles are shaken to ensure the pigments are well mixed. I choose my color palette to keep with my artistic vision. I tilt each bottle to ensure natural and even spreads. I add drops as needed, to complement and contrast the wet inks. When dry, I use scissors and cut shapes to fit the intended note card. Finally, I glue them.
Facial Series
I am fascinated with how dots can resemble the faces of people and animals. I enjoy the freedom of expressing myself in this medium.
Brain Series
I am engrossed in the evolving effects in these two note cards. After my finishing touches, I imagined brain activities. The blue one represents my normal state of mind. The other card reveals my way to a thoughtful conclusion.
Joanne Coker, a resident of Otterbein, used this note card, writing on the back of the card. It is entitled “Strange Animal”, and sells for $4.00 (including envelope).
Visit the Paradigm Gallery to check out Ralph Stuckman’s notecards, postcards, and magnets in-person. What do his abstractions mean to you (or the person you’re sending the card to)? The Paradigm Gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm; Thursday 10am-8pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm.
Awesome!
Very interesting. He shows age has no limit of expression!!