This interview took place during the annual Minck/Steiner summer dinner. Dick and his wife, Helen, spend most of their time at their home in St. Petersburg, Fla., but also own a home in Lima. He is one of Bluffton's famous artists.
When did you graduate from Bluffton High School?
Oh, I never tell that. But sometime in the 1940s.
Who was your favorite teacher?
Theola Steiner. She taught sixth grade. All the boys thought she was all right. After school one day, I had to get something. I saw her up ahead. I'm at the stairway. A middle-aged guy came up and she hugged him. That ruined it.
Who was your art teacher?
Mabel Lantz. She gave me some good basics. She was always telling us to be quiet. That isn't how artists work -- -- they communicate with each other.
At first, we (had to) copy things. That wore thin the third day - it was more interesting to elaborate. I had to go and stand in the cloakroom.
What did you think of Professor John Klassen (Bluffton College professor in the 30s, 40s, and 50s)?
He was a genuine, delightful man. He felt bad that he couldn't communicate well because he didn't speak English well. While we were working with clay, he said "In this clay, what are you trying to make? You just have to let it out. Start working from the head." And all of a sudden it was alive.
What degrees did you earn?
A BA in art from Bluffton and an MFA from Ohio State. I was taken away from the OSU game for this dinner and interview.
Were you in college with Darvin Luginbuhl and Paul Soldner (Bluffton's other famous artists)?
They were older, not in college with me.
What was Soldner like?
He was an interesting man to talk to. He believed that you have to bring the art out. "Here's a hunk of clay. Make a decision and explore."
When did jewelry become your thing?
It became my thing at Bluffton, and then at OSU. There was a lot I could explore in metal as well as clay.
There is a rumor that you made a piece for Marlon Brando.
(Shocked expression) I don't remember. That was one of my first trips to California. I had a shop, thought people would be pouring in. No one showed up. I was introduced to the Hollywood group in the late 50s. I can't remember the actors' names. I went to a party, met a Hollywood starlet, she asked what I did, connected me, and I did a piece for someone. I don't know if it was Brando.
When did you start painting tuxedo shirts?
When we first moved to Florida, Helen got me involved in the social set. (We attended) fundraisers requiring formal attire - weekly or two or three a week - it was exhausting but a lot of fun. I thought, 'Gee, everyone looks like a penguin - white shirts with nothing on them.' I thought maybe I should decorate this shirt.
At the first affair (I wore one to), everyone loved it. It was a take-off on a Dali design. (I never got to meet him, but saw him at a window.)
What do you do with the shirts?
I have every one I painted for myself. (After that first one), if someone would make a contribution to one of my charities, something in the arts, I make one. (The shirts go for $500-$5,000 each.)
I recently made one for our son, Tom James. He wore one to the Tennis Hall of Fame.
Who are your favorite artists?
I love Paul Soldner's big major pieces. I also love Jack Earl's stuff - his ceramics caricatures are portraits of life. I also admire John Klassen's work. I have several of his pieces.
What is your oldest piece of art?
I have an Egyptian piece from a collection out of a tomb - a little bowl. It has a wonderful feeling for me - third century B.C., maybe?
Do you still have "The" car?
Yes. It's an Excalibur, American-made in Milwaukee.
The conversation then went to interesting stories about interesting Bluffton people, dessert came and suddenly the evening had ended.
