the taos gallery is proud to present a reception in honor of “*Living Master” James Rannefeld, Saturday, September 19 from 5-7 p.m. at the taos gallery.
“Clients are fascinated by James’ work which clearly demonstrate that he is a master of his craft,” says Jan Mellor, the taos gallery owner.
No stranger to the Taos functional art scene, James Rannefeld has been creating wooden objects since 1972-- first as a carpenter, then cabinetmaker, furniture designer, master craftsman and sculptor. As a self-taught artist he is also published, collected nationally, and has achieved numerous awards and recognition: most recently as a Living Master at the 2007 Annual Taos Fall Arts Festival.
As Associate Professor of Woodworking at UNM-Taos, James teaches and heads the Trades and Industries Academy. In the ongoing SMU/UNM-Taos Lecture series on September 24, 7 pm, at the Klauer Campus, he will present a talk and slide show: The World of Wood: 5000 Years of Wooden Objects looking at the interwoven history of Man and Wood over the last 5000 years. With an extensive array of visual images of carved and constructed wooden objects and a variety of examples from his private collection, he will demonstrate the beauty, utility and diversity of man-made wooden objects.
“Wood is a magical material that can be transmuted through the power of the imagination and the ability of skilled hands, into fine art, craft or ubiquitous utilitarian objects. Wood symbolizes rebirth. The tree sacrifices its life and its wood is transformed into a chair that lives on.” JR
Rannefeld’s most recent works are featured at the taos gallery including his signature ribbon furniture, wall and figurative sculptures. * Other Living Masters associated with the taos gallery include: Carlos Barela, Tupper and Richard Hawley and most recently, Steven Gootgeld and Jeffrey Hills.
www.thetaosgallery.com 758-3911 103 paseo del pueblo norte
