Raymond Rocklin—the life and times

By JONATHAN FOX

HONESDALE, PA — The Willow River Gallery in Honesdale is still fairly new, having just opened its doors this past July. Artist and curator Trix Render has invited me to visit a few times, and I did so last week to explore the newest exhibit of the works of sculptor Raymond Rocklin.

Render graciously gave me a personal tour of the beautiful gallery and I found the space to be filled with life, light and an array of stunning works of art. Sculpture, paintings and jewelry fill the gallery currently, and the entire lower floor of the space is devoted to the Rocklin exhibit, which runs through October 17.

Render also provided me with a DVD documentary on the life and times of 87-year-old Rocklin. Produced and directed by Michel Legrand, the short film (which is available for purchase at the gallery) is informative and gives the viewer a glimpse into the mind of this very prolific artist, from his humble beginnings, through his major success as an artist, to the work he is still producing now.

“Texture, to me, is very important” Rocklin says in the DVD. “I started playing with clay very early on and I am still obsessed with texture—and I believe that is reflected in my work to this day. The art is instinctual, spontaneous... I just pull it out of nowhere.”

Rocklin lived and worked in Italy for a year and claims that this experience had a profound influence on his work. During one of his many interviews, he elaborates on the influence of spirituality in his pieces, whether they are fashioned in clay, concrete, metal, wood, silver or gold.

“It was (and still is) my passion, a compulsion. Some might even call it an addiction—something I just had to do.” Rocklin says. “Transforming the human experience is not easy.”

Rocklin’s son John, a noted photographer, provides even more insight as he describes what it was like to live with his famous father. “Even during hard times, he did odd jobs to make ends meet. I think for a long time he was searching for something.” he says. “I am so proud of him and his accomplishments. My father’s work and my parents’ long and loving marriage has served as inspiration to me in my life and career as well.”

Carol, Rocklin’s wife of 58 years, is interviewed as well, and explains that she was always attracted to the art world, even as a young girl. “Being married to an artist feeds something in me” she declares, sitting by his side, holding hands. Rocklin gazes lovingly at his wife and looks at the camera. “I’m still madly in love with her,” he says.

Rocklin’s work was touted and sought after during the 1970s and, according to him, his popularity waned slowly with the advent of the Warhol crowd, as pop art became wildly sought after.

Undaunted, the artist continued to create consistently, and continues to be in demand by private collectors all over the world. Still fascinated by the “tools of the trade,” Rocklin proudly displays a variety of the hand tools he still collects and uses to create his sculptures. “I love the tools” he explains. “I even see beauty in the tools themselves and still pick them up wherever I go.”

Wood craftsman Jim Sanders concurs. He was brought on earlier this year when Rocklin had an injury to his hands. Not wanting to stop working, he instructed Sanders in the art of making art and utilized the man’s hands to do what his injured hand could not. The experience gave Sanders a close-up view of Rocklin’s philosophy as expressed to an earlier apprentice: “You can make whatever you want, but make it well.”

The documentary concludes with Rocklin reflecting on the past and the future of his career. “The secret of my success is that I always followed my heart. I find that in my old age I am more creative than ever before. I’ll never stop.”

Rocklin’s impressive array of artistic expression is currently on display at the Willow River Gallery, located at 118 Willow Avenue in Honesdale.

For more information visit www.willowrivergallery.com or call 570/253-3013.