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.

STUDENTS OF FRANK RAMPOLLA – LYNN DAVISON

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

I studied with him for three years 1963-1965 at Ringling School of Arts. Then the summer just before he died I went up to Tampa and studied Intaglio with Frank, because they didn’t have any printmaking at in Sarasota.

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

His passion. His enthusiasm. I remember I had a history class with him where he was so taken away when he visited Italy and had seen Michelangelo’s pieces. When you were in a class with him he wouldn’t want to talk much. He would say “Go Paint. Just Go Paint”. That was what importnant. Just go do the work.

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

Frank Rampolla is in every line I draw.

He is always looking behind me. I think sometimes “he’s not going to like this but that’s okay”. I am influenced in everything. I’m still working with the figure. Especially the hands and feet––which are really important to me. I’m still struggling with the figure. It’s been a constant all my life. There has never been anything else but the figure. I haven’t strayed an awful lot I guess.

I remember when I was in art school and I was trying to do a self-portrait at the time. I was trying to do something really “tight” and I remember he didn’t like that at the time. I was really afraid to go “tight” in my artwork for a long time because I knew he just wouldn’t like it. Then the last couple of years I thought I’d try it. To figure out what is a challenge for me. I was going really tight in my paintings. I still go back in forth. I’m taking a breather now, but I’m really excited to see what happens when I go back to paint (loose) again.

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