ROBERT BRUBAKER

Artist Robert Brubaker is as nearly a character as his artistic creations. Each of his ceramic sculptures is an anthropomorphic wonder fully embodying the character of the Old West. These figures, whether standing or sitting, have the heads of dogs or, sometimes, cats. Their demeanor is always one of crusty authenticity.

Brubaker, an art student throughout high school, went to Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL where he received his BFA. It was during this time that Brubaker, wanting to take a sculpture class that was full, went to the ceramics instructor to ask if he could take ceramics with the aim of creating sculpture. The stipulation made was that he must use the same material as the potters: high-fire stoneware clay. Brubaker, to date, has never taken a sculpture class – and he never did learn to throw a pot.

Two years of education followed in graduate studies at Illinois State University in Normal, IL before Brubaker became affiliated with a cooperative art studio in San Rafael, CA; it was there he learned more about being an artist - as he puts it: "Already knew how, now learned why." With only a few detours, Brubaker's work has always been figurative and anthropomorphism comes most naturally to him. His current line of characters began in 1980 and continues to evolve, even as the pieces follow their original imaginative direction.

Each sculpture is a character unto itself, requiring that they be created one at a time, with full attention paid to the evolution of its personality. The materials and technique require this individual devotion as well: It is the nature of water-base clay to start to dry out as soon as work begins. The pieces are fired once to maturity then each is finished with acrylic and enamel. Brubaker applies many thin layers of color, rubbing each back to get what he calls an "old toy" finish. It is the perfect term to describe his skillful results.

For Brubaker being an artist is as much a life as a profession. His studio is in his home and there is always something going on. The ideas keep coming. Each character is begun by the artist and, at some point, takes over to guide its own completion. Brubaker notes that each piece "is historically and culturally influenced, but not historically or culturally correct." It is the spirit of the West that is so thoroughly captured.

And, the "Bob Dog" quoted above … that's the artist; it's an apt nickname given Brubaker ages ago.