Eckman Artistry

Allen & Patty Eckman Move a Nation

So many of us receive multiple email forwards, social network posts; sometimes too many. However, one caught my eye, again and again this last year. What strikes you first is the Native American image, captured in white. But then you look. You really look. The detail is exquisite. One cannot help but wonder – who is the artist? How can I GET one of these? At some point you learn that the picture before you is a sculpture made of paper, and then you simply gaze in amazement at the artistry before you. The beauty is almost overwhelming to behold.

Photos of the Eckman’s art circulated around the net in a tornado of activity last year. Facebook. MySpace – they were everywhere, as well they should be. Whisper n Thunder is pleased to bring you a glimpse of their story.

The Eckmans are the inventors of the process known as the Eckman Method® of Cast Paper Sculpture. From their web site:

Since 1988 Patty and Allen have developed and perfected the medium of cast paper far beyond any other artist in the world. Their work is considered to be the premier of the industry by many critics. Since the paper is acid free the sculptures are all museum quality. "We have really enjoyed the development of our fine art techniques over the years and have created a process that is worth sharing. There are many artists and sculptors who we believe will enjoy this medium as much as we have."

Allen's inspiration for the Indian subjects he creates came from a significant event in his life. "When I was a small boy in Pennsylvania I found an arrowhead in a newly plowed field and took it home to my grandfather who told me we have a Cherokee ancestry. My great, great, great, grandmother's name was Tounacha Case. She was born in the year 1793 in North Carolina, by the census record. It does not say she was Cherokee because the box on the 1850 census record specifying ethnicity was left blank. My guess is that being married to Laxton Case (a white man) at the time of Indian removal and living in Cherokee country they somehow managed to obviate the "Trail of Tears". I really am interested in the Indian's material, physical and spiritual culture and that whole period of our nation's history I find fascinating. From the western expansion, through the Civil War and beyond is of great interest to me."

Eckman has expanded his work through all these subjects. Patty has a great interest in wildlife, birds and flowers in particular. "Ever since I was a child I have had a great appreciation of wildlife. I can sit for hours and watch the birds come to my feeder. When I look at a flower I don't see just color, I see form. Wonderful shapes that the color tries to overpower." Patty also has interests in the Native American culture and since the year 2000 has been sculpting beautiful Indian women and children. On large, complicated and detailed works the couple often works together and both sign the piece when completed.

Allen Eckman was born in California, but from age 5 to 15 he lived on a small farm in Pennsylvania. Returning to California in his mid-teens, he enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school. He is a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. He completed his studies at the Art Center College of Design in advertising art in 1974. Wife and professional partner Patty Eckman was born in Brookings, South Dakota and grew up in Rapid City. At age 15 she moved to the San Fernando Valley in California. Patty’s formal education was also from the Art Center College of Design in L.A., Patty’s degree with a major in illustration. It was here that destiny brought these two gifted artists together to create an impacting force in the world of contemporary art. The two met in college and were married after graduation.

In 1988, having “had enough of the stressful life of advertising artists” in Southern California, they redirected their professional efforts to work in cast paper sculpture. The Eckmans now reside in Rapid City, South Dakota. "Their home and studio is in the beautiful Black Hills. There, the couple finds inspiration everywhere. The wildlife, the history, the climate and the spirituality of their lives provide Patty and Allen with an enormous amount of creativity."

True to their artistic spirit, admirers can not only purchase Eckman sculptures, but also kits where you can experiment with learning how to work in this medium. Patty offers Beginning Level kits that will teach you how to create life-size fine art cast paper sculpted flowers by the Eckman Method ®. The kits can be purchased through their web site:

http://www.eckmanfineart.com/learn.html#flowers.

Intermediate, Advanced, Expert & Master level kits are available as well, for creating a variety of subjects in cast paper sculpture. The Eckmans offer classes as well.

But if your budget allows, owning an Eckman masterpiece would bring peace to anyone’s life. Prices range from just over $100 on up.

Though some would say beauty is in the eye of the Creator, I would say the Creator’s beauty has been manifested in the gift that the Eckmans have given to the world.

All Images the property of Allen & Patty Eckman. All Rights Reserved.

Banner Graphic: www.firstpeople.us