STUDENTS OF FRANK RAMPOLLA – Jane Clay Hammond

1.) What year did you study with Frank Rampolla and what was the title of the class?

I was only a student at Ringling briefly, 1965-66, but my Drawing classes with him shaped the way my line falls on paper even today. I found a pleasure in fluidity and modeling of a form that would not likely have come to me on my own, or at least I have always credited Frank Rampolla somehow with that freedom of of expression.

2.) What  do you remember about Frank Rampolla? What sticks out in your memory about him?

I have a very distinct recollection of his physical presence: his stature, the smooth skin of his arm reaching across to correct or point to areas needing change and, oddly, his ears (which were somewhat hairy!). Of the instructors I had, he was the one I remember as the most authentic -an artist in all he said and did.

3.) How were you influenced by Frank Rampolla’s teachings or his artwork?

The way he honored the human form and the visceral impact of his images made me realize the cathartic power behind honest expression in one’s work. This can be frightening as well as empowering, and I wrestle with those forces to this day.

I have worked in the art conservation field for the last 35 years and produced mainly fiber-related artwork personally. I’ve recently returned to figure drawing, using the most basic materials: graphite, charcoal, and gouache. Anything that comes from my return to what I first loved will always be through to the door he opened for me so many years ago.

Jane has worked as a textile conservator since 1980, where she began a training program at Cleveland Museum of Art. She now works for ICA-Art Conservation.