what is art - a portrait of an educator - ralph stuckman - usa-ohio

7/24/2019 What is Art - A Portrait of an Educator - Ralph Stuckman - USA-Ohio

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ourna


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Artists are the most compassionate people in the world. While

others are busting their brains to try and better themselves

financially, an artist has little need for the frivolous material items of

the world. Not limited to the visual aspects of media, an artist can be

anyone that shares their knowledge and talents in the hope that

others will gain. Take the art of education, for example. When

F a r m

l i f e , c e r a m

i c p r i n t ,

R a l p

h S t u c k m a n .


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thinking back to school days,

there is almost always one

teacher that stands out. Not

for the particular subject athand, but by filling a

questionable void to find your

place, discover direction and

to never be afraid of the future.

R alph Stuckman of Celina, Ohio, is a prime

example of how the art of teaching can

bring hope and prosperity to students that

feel they have little to offer society. Born on a farm

near Bucyrus, Ohio, Ralphs gut instinct was to

follow his

fathers

footsteps

in

agriculture.

However, a little prodding from his father sent

him in the direction of teaching and he has never

looked back.

You see, an artist does not have to settle on a

particular area in order to be the best. It becomes a

way of life for them through their God given

desire to share. After a three year stint in

Prismaticraku plate,

Ralph Stuckman


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Ancestry Trees ceramic print, by Ralph Stuckman


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the Marine Corps, Stuckman graduated Bowling

Green State University and went on to earn a Master

of Education at the University of Toledo.

Next, he received his Doctorate at Ball State

University . Set out with the tools of the trade,

Ralph then achieved educational positions as an

elementary principal, school superintendent, and then a college professor at Wright State University

and Urbana University .

Artists have also been called reclusive,

impatient and impulsive. This is another misnomer

that goes right out the window when you think of

the amount of concentration and determination

required in this field. Helping one student to see a

new path or presenting a subject to a group that makes their built in light bulb go off is no different

than creative a painting that delivers pause and

feeling. Dr. Stuckman says,

I remember one student teacher

that was really struggling. When

I changed the assignment and she

was placed

under

the

direction

of

another

teacher, she blossomed and went on to

become an accomplished teacher.

Ralph had the insight to see that not all square

sided individuals can fit into a round hole and

went that extra mile to find that creative niche for

advancement. He arrived home on many

occasions, wringing his hands and looking for

answers. He took this worry and began molding his thoughts, literally, through clay. The touch of

the earth soothed his past passion of his love of the

farm, cleared his mind for new ideas to form, and

awakened awareness that there are many ways to

deliver a work of art.

Although retired as an educator, his love of clay

continues. Evolved into creating clay prints from

linoleum cuts,

he

searches

the

community

for

icons that best represent the passion of the area.

Always educating, always creating, Stuckman

delivers a mighty lesson to those that merely exist

for today. Think of your community, be

compassionate to others, and follow the path of

wonder. Your creative instincts will take over from

there. Simply summarized, Dr. Ralph Stuckman is a

leader that continues to show others the true

meaning of art, and he is still creating awareness

for Mercer County, Ohio artists with his forefront

involvement with the Lake Arts Group , formed

several years ago with his endeavor to promote the

wide spectrum of art in our area and the many talented

artists who live and create here.

ural SymCeramic Print on Wood Frame, 5 x 15 1/2 inch

Ralph Stuc


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Cocoonhorsehair pottery, 17 x 6 inches

Ralph Stuckman


8/8arttoartpalettejournal.com 03 2016 Ralph Stuckman USACelina, Ohio

I dont like work, no man does,but I like what is in work; thechance to find yourself, not for

others, but what no other man canever know. Joseph Conrad (1857 1924)

Polishborn British writer, sailor and explorer

what is art - a portrait of an educator - ralph stuckman - usa-ohio

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