Creative Woodworks & crafts 2001-06, страница 40

Meet Stefanie Rocknak

by Ivan Whillock

Are you always looking for that perfect piece of clear, straight-grained wood to carve? Not Stefanie Rocknak. Her work celebrates the individual character of each piece of wood that she uses. Unusual grain figure, knots, discoloration—all contribute to the uniqueness of her art.

Stefanie's unique works spring from her admiration for Lhe wood carvings of medieval Europe and the way that they through Lhe use of the human figure, "capture the human condition." Although Stefanie's subjects are contemporary, she strives for the quiet dignity and craftsmanship evident in the work of the medieval carvers.

Self-laught as a sculptor, Stefanie received forma) training in painting and drawing. She says, "While at art school I spent a great deal of time drawing from live models which has given me a good sense of the human figure." Stefanie's father was also an artist, and for a time, a professional cabinet maker. Her mother, too, worked with wood, refurbishing furniture. "So," Stefanie points out, "iL was natural for me to work in wood, which 1 love."

Stefanie's background in philosophy also contributes to her art. She received a Ph.D. in philosophy from Boston University and is currently a visiting assistant professor in philosophy at Connecticut College in New London. "Studying philosophy," she says, "has allowed me to ignore some of the trends and pressures of the 'art world' with a good conscience; I have no qualms about being representational."

Through her work, Stefanie exploits the unique characteristics of each piece of wood and shapes il into a form that reflects a deep concern for the human condition. A carving derives its emotional meaning not only from the expression on the face or in the figure, but also from Lhe irregularities of Lhe wood.

A very powerful recent carving, made from wood used in the reconstruction of the ship Amislad, depicts a black man on a ship's figurehead. The wood is Iroko, donated by Sierra Leone to Lhe Amistad project. Stefanie explains, "While walking around the Mystic [Connecticut] boat yard one day I ran into the director of Lhe project and he agreed to give me some of the leftover wood."

Stefanie Rocknak

Stefanie did not make any preliminary sketches, but did draw the rough outline of the figure on the wood i I self. She explains, "This precludes me from making any egregious initial errors." Stefanie also studied pictures of gymnasts to "get a sense of the muscle strain in Lhe figure" and kept some books about the Amistad thaL she had previously read in mind as she worked. To get a sense of what had been carved in the past, she even bought some books on figureheads. "Normally, Lhese were painted," she points out, "but 1 decided against Lhat; the natural color of the wood is rich enough."

The biggesL challenge on this project for SLefanie was the unpre-dictabiliLy of the wood. Iroko is a hard wood, but it would Lear at times. She says, "I learned to work around this. Ribs are always a challenge as well."

Stefanie uses a wood oil such as lemon oil or feeder's finish to soften the wood as she carves. She feels Lhat it makes a tremendous difference when iL comes to bringing out detail. It does not affecL the finish because Stefanie sands everything away. "In fact," she says, "some of my finer detail is brought out by sanding." She uses the edge of the sandpaper to bring out lines or she rolls Lhe paper to sofLen out the various hard to reach curves.

Stefanie recommends thai carvers "take as many figure drawing classes as possible before tackling the figure in wood. Doing so will increase your visual vocabulary before you pick up lhe knife, which can only make things easier."

Wood carving is a demanding art form. "I'm just glad that 1 have persisted through the frustrating moments," Stefanie says. "Tenacity of vision is crucial."

The carving, Figurehead, along with some of Stefanie's other works, were recently exhibited in Maine, and at the Northeastern Woodworker's Show in Saratoga Springs, NY. Stefanie's work can also be seen on her website (wmv.stctfrocknak.com). Inquiries can be sent to: 146 Mohegan Ave., #1, New London, CT 06320; phone 860-447-8341; e-mail steffrocknak@yahoo.com.

Figurehead, 2000, Iroko wood and steel, 10" x 16"

IB * Creative Woodworks S. drafts June 2001