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 The James Renwick Alliance has announced the winners of their “Master of the Medium” award for 2013. The Masters of the Medium award recognizes artists of consummate craftsmanship who have contributed to and influenced their chosen fields. The Masters of the Medium awards were initiated in 1997 on the occasion of the fifteenth anniversary of the James Renwick Alliance and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Renwick Gallery. The Masters of the Medium Awards are given biennially in odd numbered years. 
The 2013 winners are:

Glass– Paul Stankard

Paul J. Stankard “integrates mysticism with botanical realism giving the glass organic credibility”.  His work celebrates the beauty of nature on an intimate level.  His work is in 38 museum collections, five books and documentaries are published about his work, has been shown in too many exhibitions to count.  He has helped advance flame working by teaching at seven master classes, including in Japan and Scotland.  He supports the Creative Glass Center of America as a board member since its founding in 1983 and as president for three years.

Jewelry/Metal – Bruce Metcalf

“Jewelry is interesting because it is one of the last portable art forms.  Carried on the body, jewelry intrudes into public space at the same time it represents the persona of the wearer.  The more unusual the ornament, the more disturbing the intrusion, and the more radical the representation.  Wearing my jewelry requires either a great sense of adventure, or a total disregard for potential ostracism.” – Excerpt from Artist Statement, 1991

Wood – William Hunter

William Hunter masterfully turns and disc cuts wood to create precise and polished spirals and helixes which open up the vessel with contrast between inside and outside, shadow and light, matter and empty space. He  rewards us with unique and innovative vessels and sculptural forms.  His work is in 23 museum collections, featured in 28 books of sculpture and woodturning, and has been shown in over 60 exhibitions. 

Fiber – Mary Giles

Mary Giles resides in St. Croix, Minnesota.  In the early 1980’s she participated in shows with other influential basket artists. She creates mixed – media coiled baskets that are very sculptural in nature. Her choice of fine waxed linen and metal attached shapes go far beyond the traditional basket. The forms take on a surprise element. She says this about her work, “Today, I am very concerned about the environment and try to capture the forms, textures and light found in nature.”

Clay – Adrian Saxe

Adrian Saxe, a Guggenheim Fellowship recipient, has been named, “the most significant ceramic artist of his generation” by L.A.critic, Chris Knight.  A California artist and influential teacher for more than 30 years – another critic sums up his work thus,” Saxe is a virtuoso…spectacularly skilled”.  His ornate, and humorous vessels make reference to traditional vessels and become objects of rare originality and beauty at the same time.  

The winners will receive their awards during Spring Craft Weekend, April 5 to 7, 2013.