Rago Auctions

Bob Stocksdale was an influential American wood artist renowned for his exquisite turned wood bowls. Born in Warren, Indiana, Stocksdale's journey into woodworking began in his childhood, influenced by his rural upbringing and the natural surroundings that would later deeply inspire his work. His initial foray into woodworking was somewhat serendipitous. During World War II, he served as a conscientious objector and was assigned to work on a farm in California. It was there that he first encountered a wood lathe, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of his lifelong passion for woodturning. After the war, Stocksdale settled in Berkeley, California, where he fully immersed himself in the craft.

His approach to woodturning was characterized by a respect for the natural beauty of wood. Stocksdale was known for his meticulous selections, often sourcing rare and exotic species from around the world. He had a unique ability to highlight the inherent characteristics of each piece, allowing the wood's grain, color, and texture to guide the form of his bowls. This philosophy set him apart from many of his contemporaries and established him as a master of his craft.

Stocksdale's work was celebrated for its simplicity and elegance. He eschewed ornate designs, focusing instead on creating forms that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. His bowls, typically smooth and unembellished, showcased the beauty of the wood in its purest form. This minimalist approach garnered him significant acclaim and numerous accolades throughout his career, including the American Craft Council’s Gold Medal (1995), the American Association of Woodturners Lifetime Achievement Award (1998) and the Masters of the Medium Award, James Renwick Alliance (2003).

In addition to his technical prowess, Stocksdale was an influential figure in the woodturning community. He was a founding member of the American Association of Woodturners and played a crucial role in elevating woodturning to an art form. He also created pieces with his wife, fellow ACC Gold Medalist, and world-renowned fiber artist, Kay Sekimachi. His work is held in many notable institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the Museum of Arts and Design, New York; the Contemporary Museum of Art, Honolulu; and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; and the Center for Art in Wood.