Description
Ron Adams – Blackburn, 2002 is in the following COLLECTIONS:
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Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art →2018.06.01
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Art Institute of Chicago →2005.590
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Belger Collection
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Block Museum of Art →2003.8
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Chazen Museum of Art, University of Wisconsin
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Cleveland Museum of Art →2003.34
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Collectors Club of Washington, D.C.
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David Owsley Museum of Art, Ball State →2011.004.000
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DePaul Art Museum, DePaul University →2005.45
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Detroit Institute of Art →2011.89
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El Paso Museum of Art
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Fort Wayne Museum of Art
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Hallmark Corporation
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Harlem Museum School
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Hampton University Museum
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Honolulu Museum of Art →BLACKBURN
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Kalamazoo Institute of Art
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Kauffman Foundation
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Library of Congress →2004679155
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Milwaukee Art Museum →M2004.15
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Mulvane Art Museum
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Nelson Atkins Museum of Art →2024.9.1
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Nelson Atkins Museum of Art →2003.2
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Portland Art Museum
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Saint Louis Art Museum →20:2012
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Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery
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Smithsonian American Art Museum and its Renwick →2003.8
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Spencer Museum of Art, The University of Kansas →2003.0010
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Sprint
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Toledo Museum of Art →2003.42
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University of Arizona Museum of Art & Archive of Visual Arts
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Western Michigan University
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Bob Blackburn is something of a legend in 20th century printmaking. He established Printmakers Workshop in New York in 1940 where it still operates as a significant contributor to the advancement of fine art printmaking. He was also the first master printer at Universal Limited Art Editions in New York, responsible for some of the very first editions by 20th century masters like Jasper Johns, Larry Rivers, Robert Rauschenberg and others.
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Ron Adams was a printer at Gemini G.E.L. in Los Angeles and Editions Press in San Francisco before moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico where he established Hand Graphics, another significant press in the Southwest. He retired from printing and publishing and went back to his original career as a graphic artist. Adams passed away on November 10, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. For several decades these two men were the only African American Master Lithographers in the country. This original, hand-printed lithograph is one Master Printer’s respectful homage to another.
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“At first glance his imagery calls to mind the work of Charles White, but it is Goya, Kollwitz, Durer, Le Bruhn, Francis de Erdley and the Mexican muralist with whom he identifies . . . The penchant for hard work is also expressed in the exaggerated musculature of Ron Adams figures, the taut neck and bound shoulders, knitted brows, and sinewy, powerful hands of both women and men. Though his figures are usually alone and have a look of serious preoccupation, mediating details-a filmy pair of stockins hung over an open drawer, the arching rose stem held in a crow’s beak, a hummingbird hovering at the edge of a morning glory-suggest an appreciation of balance.”
– Kay Lindsey –
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“I enjoy attempting to create form and volume and quite often I take liberties in exaggerating my forms and gestures to express the mood or emotion I am trying to capture.”
– Ron Adams –
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Resources:
The Legacy of Printer Bob Blackburn: Bridging Art and Craftsmanship
In the world of printmaking, few names carry as much weight and significance as Bob Blackburn. Renowned for his mastery of the craft and his dedication to fostering artistic expression, Blackburn’s legacy extends far beyond the ink and paper of his prints. His contributions not only shaped the landscape of printmaking but also served as a beacon of inspiration for generations of artists and craftsmen alike. In this essay, we will delve into the life and impact of Printer Bob Blackburn, exploring his artistry, his commitment to community, and his lasting influence on the world of printmaking.
Born in Summit, New Jersey, in 1920, Blackburn’s journey into the world of printmaking began at an early age. His innate talent and passion for art led him to pursue formal training at the Art Students League of New York and the New School for Social Research. It was during this time that Blackburn honed his skills in printmaking, experimenting with various techniques and pushing the boundaries of the medium.
One of Blackburn’s most significant contributions to the field of printmaking was his innovative approach to collaborative printmaking. In 1948, he founded the Printmaking Workshop in New York City, a groundbreaking studio that provided artists with access to printmaking facilities and expertise. This collaborative environment fostered experimentation and creativity, allowing artists to explore new techniques and push the boundaries of their craft.
Blackburn’s dedication to innovation extended beyond the studio walls. He was an early adopter of new technologies and techniques, embracing advancements in printmaking equipment and materials to further enhance the quality and scope of his work. His willingness to embrace change and adapt to new methods set him apart as a visionary in the world of printmaking.
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Blackburn was deeply committed to fostering a sense of community within the printmaking world. Throughout his career, he mentored countless artists, sharing his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of printmakers. His generosity and willingness to support emerging artists earned him the admiration and respect of his peers.
Blackburn’s commitment to community extended beyond the art world. He was a tireless advocate for social justice and equality, using his platform as an artist to address issues of race, class, and injustice. Through his art and activism, Blackburn sought to create a more inclusive and equitable society, where all voices could be heard and valued.
Printer Bob Blackburn’s impact on the world of printmaking cannot be overstated. His innovative techniques and collaborative spirit revolutionized the medium, paving the way for future generations of artists to explore new possibilities and push the boundaries of their craft. His commitment to community and social justice served as a guiding light for artists around the world, inspiring them to use their art as a tool for positive change.
Today, Blackburn’s legacy lives on through the countless artists he inspired and the institutions he helped to establish. The Printmaking Workshop, which he founded over seven decades ago, continues to thrive, providing artists with the resources and support they need to realize their creative visions. His prints can be found in museums and galleries around the world, serving as a testament to his enduring influence and artistic legacy.
Printer Bob Blackburn’s contributions to the world of printmaking are nothing short of legendary. His innovative techniques, collaborative spirit, and commitment to community have left an indelible mark on the art world, inspiring generations of artists to explore new possibilities and push the boundaries of their craft. As we celebrate his life and legacy, we are reminded of the power of art to transform lives and create positive change in the world. Bob Blackburn passed away on April 20, 2003.
Author: The Lawrence Lithography Workshop
Date: February 15, 2024
Title: The Legacy of Printer Bob Blackburn: Bridging Art and Craftsmanship
URL: http://lawrencelitho.com/product/ron-adams-blackburn-2002/
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