Virginia’s Allan Rosenbaum uses a number of traditional craft processes in his textured mixed-media sculptures. But in unconventional ways.
Artist: Rosenbaum was born and grew up in St. Louis, MO. He graduated with a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned an MFA in ceramics from Virginia Commonwealth University.
From 1986 to 2012, he taught in the craft and materials studies program at Virginia Commonwealth.
Company/studio: Allan Rosenbaum has been a full-time artist since 2012. His home and studio are in a 19th century building in a historic neighborhood in Richmond. He has owned the building for more than 30 years and lives over the store/studio.
In the beginning: He became interested in making pottery after watching a friend throw a pot. Rosenbaum began by working independently in an open studio in his high school, where he was mentored by a wonderful teacher.
After taking his first art class in college, he decided to major in art.
Art & materials: Abstract and textured wall sculptures that feature juxtapositions of material and processes, such as collage and felting. Materials include epoxy clay, repurposed fabric, wool and paint. ($1,500 to $6,000).
Rosenbaum started developing this direction in his art when he set out to repurpose a collection of neckties that had belonged to his father and scraps he salvaged from family sewing projects.
For his sculptures, he also has collected fabrics from donations, estate sales, eBay and Etsy.
“I especially look for vintage kimonos, quiltmakers scrap, and deadstock fabrics,” said Rosenbaum.
Tools: Uses many standard pottery tools, but also makes and finds many of his tools.
He also uses things he finds on walks, including bits of broken concrete and weathered wood, to develop texture.
Inspirations: Artists, including:
- Philip Guston, Paul Feeley, Ruth Asawa and Ken Price.
- Mid-century furniture designers.
- Microscopic photography.
- Ancient artifacts.
Commissions:
- A series of awards for recipients of the Virginia Governors Awards for the Arts. He made nine ceramic sculptures in the form of a hand holding a flashlight, a metaphor for the recipient’s role in the art.
- A bronze public sculpture for the entrance to the City of Richmond Ambulance Authority. It is titled “Cradle” and is in the form a pair of hands holding a cityscape.
Recent awards/honors: A 2023 Artist Residency at the non-profit Willapa Bay AiR in Oysterville, WA.
What’s next: A new series with a working title of “Shifting Forms.” For the series, he constructs an armature, cuts it apart and reassembles the parts into a new form.
Where to buy:
Connect: Instagram: @allanrosenbaumstudio
