Daniel Rhodes
Daniel Rhodes (May 8, 1911 – July 23, 1989) was an American artist, known for his work as a ceramic artist, muralist, sculptor, author, and educator. He built an international reputation during his 25 years (1947–1973) on the faculty at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, a division of the State University of New York.
Early Life and Education
Rhodes was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Daniel J. and Margaret Agnes (née Brennan) Rhodes. He began his art career by enrolling in summer courses at the Art Institute of Chicago. He attended the University of Chicago from 1929 to 1933, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Art History.
Career
Early Career
From 1935 to 1938, Rhodes lived in Fort Dodge, where he worked as a painter and muralist, participated in the Fort Dodge Art Guild, and lectured at the Blanden Art Gallery (now the Blanden Memorial Art Museum). He frequently exhibited at the Iowa State Fair, winning three consecutive annual sweepstakes awards for oil painting from 1938 to 1940, surpassing a record held by Grant Wood.
Academic and Professional Achievements
In 1940, Rhodes studied at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, where he began to work with clay. He then entered the graduate program at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, becoming the first person to graduate from the school's Master of Fine Arts program in 1942. After completing his MFA, Rhodes worked as a designer for Glidden Pottery.
Teaching and Influence
During his tenure at Alfred University, Rhodes became a significant figure in the field of studio pottery. He authored several influential books on ceramics techniques, making him a well-known authority among studio potters and ceramic sculptors.
Personal Life
Rhodes and his family lived in California from 1943 to 1947, where he and his wife, Lilyan, opened a ceramic studio that crafted thrown and cast ware for a San Franciscan department store.
Legacy
In 2020, artist Kari Marboe created a tribute work and exhibition for Rhodes at Mills College titled "Kari Marboe: Duplicating Daniel." Rhodes' contributions to the field of ceramics and his influence as an educator continue to be recognized and celebrated.