Robert W. Ebendorf: The Work In Depth

Robert W. Ebendorf: The Work in Depth

Robert W. Ebendorf:

The Work in Depth

Caroline Gore, Lena Vigna, and Bruce W. Pepich

Racine Art Museum

(previous pages) Figure 2 Robert W. Ebendorf Neckpiece, 1990 Wood, found paper, gold string, graphite, and copper 2 3/4 x 11 5/8 x 13 3/8 inches Racine Art Museum, Gift of the Artist in Honor of Ron Porter and Joe Price

(above) Figure 4 Robert W. Ebendorf Necklace (Twig), 1994 Twigs, 18k-gold, pearls, and steel 14 1/8 x 13 1/4 x 1/2 inches The Porter•Price Collection

Figure 3 Robert W. Ebendorf Bring It Together, 2000 Found jar lid, glass, turquoise, china shards, ivory, copper, and tile grout 4 15/16 x 2 5/8 x 5/8 inches Racine Art Museum, Promised Gift of The Porter•Price Collection

(right) Figure 5 Robert W. Ebendorf Necklace (Twig) (detail), 1994 Twigs, 18k-gold, pearls, and steel 14 1/8 x 13 1/4 x 1/2 inches The Porter•Price Collection

Contents 2

Robert W. Ebendorf as Mentor: A Personal Reflection Caroline Gore

13

The Life and Times of Robert W. Ebendorf: Jeweler and Metalsmith Lena Vigna

23

A Conversation with Robert W. Ebendorf Bruce W. Pepich

34

A Selected Portfolio Works by Robert W. Ebendorf in RAM’s Collection

40

Works by Robert W. Ebendorf in RAM’s Collection

First Edition Copyright ©2014 Racine Art Museum All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Convention. Except for legitimate excerpts customary in review or scholarly publications, no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or information storage or retrieval systems, without written permission of the publisher.

Published in the United States by the Racine Art Museum (RAM), 441 Main Street, Racine, WI 53403.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014938346 Proofreaders: Samantha Belles, Susan Buhler-Maki, Kelly Drumm, Lisa Englander, Elizabeth Frozena, Laura Gillespie, Laura Grayson, Casey Kniestedt, Lena Vigna, and Dave Zaleski, RAM Designer: Jessica Z. Schafer, RAM Marketing and Publications Manager Printed in Racine, Wisconsin by The Garvey Group Robert W. Ebendorf: The Work in Depth is published on the occasion of the exhibition The Life and Times of Robert W. Ebendorf: Jeweler and Metalsmith organized by the Racine Art Museum, Racine, WI, and on view from July 13, 2014 through January 18, 2015.

All Photography by Tom Van Eynde, Chicago, Illinois, except where noted

Racine Art Museum is grateful to the following sponsors: Platinum Sponsors Karen Johnson Boyd and William B. Boyd SC Johnson Windgate Charitable Foundation Diamond Sponsor Sam and Gene Johnson Fund Gold Sponsors East Carolina University – School of Art & Design Herzfeld Foundation Johnson Bank Racine United Arts Fund Silver Sponsors Cotsen Foundation for Academic Research Elwood Corporation Helen Bader Foundation Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation W.T. Walker Group, Inc. Wisconsin Arts Board Bronze Sponsors 88NINE Radio Milwaukee CNH Industrial Craft in America PBS Series E.C. Styberg Foundation, Inc. Educators Credit Union In Sink Erator Miracle on Canal Street The Norbell Foundation Perimeter Gallery, Chicago Real Racine Robert W. Baird Foundation Ruud Family Foundation Carol C. Saunders

Donors of Robert W. Ebendorf Works to RAM’s Collection Dale and Doug Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Brent Best Teri Blond Karen Johnson Boyd Gail M. Brown David and Jacqueline Charak Robert W. Ebendorf and Aleta Braun Lisa Englander and Bruce W. Pepich John J. Grant Dorothy Haas Charlotte Heil Arlene Mann in Memory of Robert L. Mann The Porter•Price Collection Veronica D. Regas Endowment Fund

Robert W. Ebendorf as Mentor: A Personal Reflection Caroline Gore

The Life and Times of Robert W. Ebendorf: Jeweler and Metalsmith Lena Vigna

A Conversation with Robert W. Ebendorf Bruce W. Pepich

Figure 27 Ivy Ross and Robert W. Ebendorf Selection of Neckpieces, 1991 Various materials and dimensions Racine Art Museum See page 43 for details

A Selected Portfolio Works by Robert W. Ebendorf in RAM’s Collection