Renaissance technique comes to life
Lakewood students place their own art in bronze panel
BY TOYNETT HALL
Staff Writer

ERIC SUCAR staff Members of a Lakewood High School ceramics class watch master sculptor James Robinson create a piece of art that incorporates the students' geometric forms in a five-panel bronze casting.

Lakewood High School students contributed to their legacy last week as they helped master sculptor James Robinson create an L-shaped bronze panel through a bronze casting tradition that dates back to the Italian Renaissance.

Robinson, a traveling artist who divides his time between residences in Ohio and Montana, was invited by ceramics teacher Brian Schauer to demonstrate the technique to the Lakewood students.

Schauer said the presentation, which was funded through a grant, is "very much a traditional art history lesson." He said it provided students with a unique learning experience.

"It is very rare to have someone come into a school and pour bronze that goes up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and demonstrate what was done way back in the Renaissance. It's an experience that is really hard to find anywhere else," Schauer said.

According to Robinson, the five-panel bronze L was created with Petrobond sand through the sand casting process.

"Inside the surface of the L are between 140 and 160 works of art created by the students. It's a raised relief designed to go into a wall," the artist explained.

Schauer said the bronze L is a combination of the artist's and the students' work. He said the L symbolizes the current atmosphere and creative expressions of Lake-wood's youth.

"The L really represents what is happening today with the students' minds and creative ideas," the teacher said.

Sophomore Jasmine Turner said she made a stamp with her initials on it. Jasmine said she enjoyed the experience and learned a lot about the art and its background.

Junior Isaiah Giles said he also enjoyed the experience, adding, "I like working with my hands."

Junior Pat Cunliffe said, "It was cool to see how everything was put together."

Schauer said he hopes this unique experience opens a new horizon for the students.

"Students learn by witnessing and participating. By doing something like this that is rare and not in the regular curriculum, [students realize] there is a world outside of Lakewood High School," he said.

Robinson, who travels across the United States with his presentation, said he wants students to get "a sense of involvement that they can create their own art history, and that nothing should be out of their reach."

Principal David Clauser said, "Lakewood's Fine Arts Department is one of the finest in Monmouth and Ocean counties. We put a tremendous premium on the students to develop their ability in fine, practical and performing arts."

Clauser said last week's demonstration is another example of how students are encouraged to excel in the arts. He said it has not been determined where the five-panel bronze L will be placed.