Robert Arneson

1. Robert Arneson

2. Basic Info • Robert Arneson was born on September 4th, 1930 • He died on November 2nd, 1992 • He was an American sculptor and professor of ceramics for four decades. • Born in Benicia, California • He spent much of his early life as a cartoonist for a local paper • He studied art education in Oakland, California • Considered “Father of the ceramic Funk movement”

3. Robert graduated from Benicia high school, then began, and spent most of his early life as a cartoonist for a local paper. He later studied Art education in Oakland, California, and received an MFA in 1958. During the 1960’s, Robert Arneson began to stray away from the traditional art styles. The new movement was named “Funk Art”, and Robert soon became known as the father of this art style. Arneson tended to use common objects to create his work. His work included both drawings and ceramic sculptures. He often appeared in many of his pieces such as; a chef, a man picking his nose, a jean-jacketed hipster ect. Training and Development Robert Arneson was born on September 4th, 1930, in Benicia California. His artistic encouragement came from his father. For a large part of his early life, he was a cartoonist for a local newspaper. After graduating from High School, he studied art education at the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, and later became a teacher in a local High School, where he took up an interest in ceramics. He later received an MFA from Mills college in 1958. Robert was named head of the ceramics department at the University of California in 1962, and became a full professor of art in 1973.

4. Robert’s main influence was the expressionist, Peter Voulkos, who had earlier studied the clay works of Pablo Picasso. Robert was persuaded to become more adventurous, and to step outside the boundaries he had previously established. He began creating pieces that strayed away from traditional art works. He incorporated himself into many of his own pieces using photographs, mirrors, and drawings, and each one seemed to show a new identity. Robert Arneson was a member of the group of Californian Pop artists, whose work became known as “Funk Art.”

5. Art Style Robert Arneson enjoyed creating good-humor sculptures, which marked the art movement, California Funk. He often incorporated himself into his work in many different styles. Robert later brought ceramics into the realm of art, adding drawings, paintings, and sculptures, that related to current events. Robert’s artwork is known to make a statement, unlike many other contemporary arts.

6. My Impression I enjoy Robert Arneson’s artwork due to its uniqueness. I like that his pieces are often humorous or random, unlike many other serious and traditional artworks. He is very skilled at creating emotion in his sculptures, and I like how I can establish the mood of the sculpture just by simply looking at it. I believe I am into artwork that make statements, and that explore beyond traditional styles, which Robert Arneson’s artwork does.

7. Robert’s Artwork Robert Arneson, Bench Head, 1991, dbronze, 37½" x 77" x 30½", Collection of Jean and Gerry Bush Robert Arneson, A-Head with Little Pain, 1991, bronze, 80" x 12" x 12", Estate of Robert Arneson, Courtesy of George Adams Gallery, New York and Brian Gross Fine Art, San Francisco. Robert Arneson, California Artist, 1985, woodcut, 40" x 30", Collection of George and Jean Adams