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David Laughlin, designer and craftsman, explaining one of his many creations of metal completed Dalle glass window is in theackgroundThe original wax model of Sen. Dirksen which Dave laterrecreated for the ChicagoWorld Flower and GardenShow is carefully protected in a corner of the organized confusion of the studio. The residents of Pekin, 111., are raisingfunds which will hopefully bematched by a well known philanthropist so that the final statue cast in bronzemaygrace the senator’s hometown square. (Photos by Dolores Haugh)immortalizerismagmricent\4IBy Dolores HaughThousands of people saw the statue of Sen. Everett Dirksen at the Chicago World Flower Show last March. Theartist, however, passed unnoticed.David Laughlin does fantastic art work. He has assistedFrank Dubinsky, director of the annual flower and garden show for many years. Dave created items for the “Sculptors Garden” for the Chicago Horticultural Society as well.His unusual creations are ofclay, metal, combined plastic materials such as fiberlgas, epoxy, latex or patina. It is the artistic handling of such unusual media that distinguishes his works.David's imaginative genius is limitless. He can model thehuman form in recognizable dimensions or have it merely an impression created by means of line and texture.“I WAS BORN during the depression years in a small Missouri town and spent my time just making things. Some emerged as roly poly metal hippos or kookie little circular stoneware creatures that areneither fish nor fowl.Style to David is more texture and surface than shape or color. It means originality and authenticity which the mediaPage 3Friday, April 24,1970New vicar“1 * iannointpAmust supply through unusualmaterials and original tech-Church, Rolling Meadows, and at the Peace Unitedniques.One artistic collectage wall in his studio sums up his versatility of interest.Church of Christ Chancel in Bensenville.His commissioned archi-There are huge sections of weathered wood. Some pieces are branches twisted by the wind. Another section is box-tectural designs can be viewed in the screen entitled “Waterfalls” at the Palatine Nationalframed, bearing sharp tools piercing a knothole in driftwood. There are crucibles,Bank, supervised by Harold O. Klopp and Associates. Other pieces are at Wieboldt’s Market, Randhurst, Niles PublicLibrary and Carl Sandburgpots, brushes, crosses; a tiny white glazed ceramic mouse with leather tail attracts threeVillage, Chicago, to mentiononly a few.happy felines that purr nearby. They earn their keep by eating the replica's live relatives that may try to infest the roughly constructed studio.DURING AN interview David was making stained glass windows that were like none seen anywhere before. Within a wooden frameworkhe assembled broken free-SKETCHES, small wrestling bronze cast figures, a large madonna welded of cor-ten steel are everywhere in organized confusion. Outside in a green bush thicket there are three metal snow birds, that, according to Dave, “take complete form after a heavy snow.” All blend together to reveal the personality of the artist.form Dalle glass of bright colors. Then these were joined by tiny white stones. Over this he poured his formula of latex. The process was as ugly as the finished product was beautiful. The windows will be installed at the Holy Apostle Lutheran Church in HickoryHills,The process of creation is varied and wide for Dave. HeDavid approaches the major concept of his art with a concern for service to othersthrough art as an environmental focus.experiments with everything. There are wax images, one eventually to become redone as a taP bronze-cast senator.His inspirational designs aredisplayed in the chancel and banners of Trinity LutheranOne, a madonna, as Dave said, “just didn’t look right” as he molded and remolded the clayoriginal. With a push and pullArea auxiliariesprepare forPoppy DayCook County council, first division, American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Illinois, will meet Friday, May 1, at 12:30 p.m. at the Sherman House in Chicago. Mrs.Charles J. Fencl of LaGrange Park, president, will preside.Mrs. Joseph Erazmus, first4itnciAn Akanloin will AAnrliiAtthe many hospitals. Cut materials are delivered to these veterans, and boxes of poppies areready for a big sale in May.All money taken in expenses is returned to the veterans andof his creative hands the originally religious subject of madonna and child was pinched into and cast as Goldilocks andtheir families through the service program. At the present time, thousands of veterans ofWars I. II. Korea and Vietnamthe Papa Bear.Again the contrast of mediaarises when the religious banners are seen. A 20-by-40-inch banner entitled “He Is Risenbeing placed in the Illinois State Museum. The Old Capitol Art Fair in Springfield resulted in a purchase award and the Illinois Craftsmen biennialexhibit sent another of his♦iworks to the Illinois State Mu-*11seum in Springfield.The next two pieces to wendis hooked and stitched withyarn.Small peek-ins and large walk-ins are another of Dave’stheir way to the state museum as permanent collection pieces were entries in “The Animalftspecialties. Peek-ins are intricately designed pieces usually executed in metal or stone with open areas. These allow the observer to view the inside, while theImage in Art” exhibit conducted last year.Laughlin has had private showings at the I crew’s ArtGallery at 519 Main St., Evanston. One is scheduledIlight reflecting through other openings creates a design within. Dave is now working on a walk-inthere this Sunday.f\His other shows include the Brandel Center Gallery, II-much along the same lines of linois Artists Invitational andthe smaller original but large enough to allow the observerothers in New York, Michiganand many suburban areas ofto actually enter.AS A MEMBER of the Illinois Craftsmen’s Council, American Craftsmen’s Council and Guild for Religious Architecture Dave finds endlessoutlets for his work. He received the merit award of theMississippi Valley Invitational Exhibit, with his selectionChicago.Dave has written a numberof articles on crafts, reviews of craft exhibits and designed and installed a number of local, regional and one national craftsexhibition.To sum up David Laughlin one can only stand back, view his works and with reverencesay, “Magnificent.11From madonna to pap* bear, all with a few deft motions ofartist Laughlin’s creative hands.
Newspaper Details
Arlington Heights Day
Arlington Heights, Illinois, US
Fri, Apr 24, 1970
Page 3
Full Page
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USA 02 Jan 2021
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