Sunday, January 20, 2013

A TRIBUTE TO STEVE ROBINSON


 

By Gloria De Neve




Steve Robinson passed away on January 4th, 2013 at the age of 57. But he will not be forgotten.
Steve leaves a legacy of touching many lives during his lifetime. He was a strong influence to many as friend and mentor, as well as being an exceptional artist in his own right. Steve had an innate gift of being able to be in the present moment and greet everyone he met with genuine openness. His keen determination, yet gentle Zen-like manner, guided him in his quest to create that ultimate Raku piece, and in so doing, guided his excellence in becoming a master of "true Raku". The mastery of the expressive nature of his work’s evolution never failed to astonish, within the exquisite shapes, textures and glazes. Steve's work is proudly exhibited in many of our homes, and in homes and galleries across the country.

In like manner he traveled and gave Raku workshops across Manitoba, and soon became a caring mentor for a close group of students. Steve guided his artist students in their own individual quests for the honest expression of "true Raku". So began the infamous exhibitions as the newly formed Raku group began to show together within Winnipeg's Exchange District galleries. The exhibitions -  "Out of Steve's Kiln" evolved into "Under The Cover of Darkness" and the group showed for over ten years, with the final "Raku Reunion" in 2011.
I was fortunate to have been invited into the fold in 2006, during personal crossroads in my life. Steve was indeed instrumental in reawakening my own passion for creating with clay and Raku firing , and in so doing inspired my own personal expression of the "Spirit Shield'. This is the thread of a theme that continues to evolve in my work even today. Raku firing with Steve was always respectfully celebrated as a quite spiritual ritual. He loved Rakuing in the snow and the cold, and the first firing of the day was begun with a symbolic toast to the Raku gods from the bottle of Sake that he'd warm up at the side of his kiln. The blessing was served in tiny little Sake cups that Steve hand built for each of us, for each firing .They are special mementos. His teachings involved gentle reminders for patience during the day as the flow of turning up the propane torch, watching the glaze blister and smooth over, waiting for that moment of lustrous sheen through the spyhole to prepare us to unload the Raku kiln, and lift the hot glowing pieces into the air, then directly into the darkness of the reduction chambers. Patience was needed still, till the billowy smoke was released and we were able to dig out our blackened pieces and roll them in the snow to set, and only then carefully hold up the finished
treasures to the light for quiet inspection. Steve would guide us with a twinkle in his eye, supportive nods and humorous wit, accompanied by his faithful companion Moon who sat aside his master and kept reverence. Always a magical experience.
Steve will always be known as our "Raku Guru" and our very special friend.
One of the member's of Steve's Raku group, as well as my studio partner, artist Gina Roth said it well ..
" When I look up into the sky and see dark fluffy clouds, I will think it is Steve doing another Raku firing in the great beyond".
May the Raku gods be with you Steve.
We will miss you.
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Wednesday, January 9, 2013

In Memoriam - Steve Robinson


 Yesterday I was privileged to see and hear Steve Robinson's family and friends as they shared stories and memories of his life with those present at his memorial service.
Steve died after a staunch struggle with cancer last Friday, Jan. 3.
Steve was one of our earliest members, joining our group for the first couple of years.
He enriched us all with his wonderful raku work, but also with his quiet, retiring yet straightforward attitude. Patient and dedicated.

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