wilbanks studio
wilbanks studio is located within the california central coast midway between los angles and san francisco. the region has garnered a growing awareness around the globe for the exceptional quality of its rhone wines, almonds, walnuts and olive oil in part because it enjoys an overall similarity of weather to the tuscany region of italy. the historically rich agricultural heritage holds tenaciously to its rural community roots. there is both a visceral connection and appreciation for these natural lands. it is as wonderful a place for artists to congregate as it is to call home. the good fortune of living here is appreciated by those who do so every single day. the background photo displays the inspirational natural beauty that draws so many to break existing ties and move to the area.
two artists
the studio is home to two artists. partners in life who became partners in wilbanks inc., an award winning advertising/marketing consultancy active in arizona for over 3 decades. stephanie wilbanks concentrates in kilnformed art glass inspired by her lifelong love of music, rhythm, pattern and texture. stephanie’s work has garnered recognition and awards throughout the central coast and points beyond. ken wilbanks works with baltic birch plywood, the rather humble material commonly used for high-end cabinet interiors. he laminates multiple layers to achieve substantial thickness and shapes it by carving and sanding. the abstract curvilinear sculptures wrought from man made materials echo the organic contours and patterns commonly found in nature. projects featuring vivid colorways employ plywood constructed from multiple layers of dyed laminations.
kilnformed glass
the art of stephanie wilbanks
laminated plywood sculpture
the art of ken wilbanks
about stephanie wilbanks
from the corporate world to the sphere of fine arts
while still working in the hectic environment of marketing and advertising, stephanie, longing for a reconnection to the fine arts, began to take classes in kiln formed glass. classes turned into more classes followed by expos, seminars and exhibitions. she began absorbing the technical craft of fusing glass with all of its requisite restrictions while acquiring an extensive inventory of inspiringly beautiful glass. kiln glass is cut cold on a table, then heated and slowly cooled in a kiln for several hours to a full day. the glasses soften, fuse together and assume the shape of whatever surface they're resting upon or within, such as a flat kiln shelf, curved mold or casting mold. many designs require two or more sessions in the kiln to obtain the final desired effects, making each a unique piece of art. the art aspect has been realized through countless hours of studio time. as an undergraduate voice major, her background in music has provided her with a keen sense of rhythm and pattern and tone which is reflected in her work. her fine art pieces show brilliant color, texture and pattern when backlit. every day in the studio brings a new opportunity to explore new ideas in an endlessly interesting journey.
stephanie was interviewed by one of the central coast’s most popular NPR shows broadcast on ksby “ears on art” with artists/interviewers crissa hewitt and steven deluque in her studio. click the button below to hear the segment.
about ken wilbanks
from building brands to working with his hands
after spending many decades in hot pursuit of results building the images and brands of his clients in advertising — ken felt it was a perfect time for a new challenge. or should that be an old challenge? as sculpture was an important emphasis in undergraduate school while majoring in advertising design — it was never completely left behind, but it definitely was placed on a shelf. at last, the interest grew beyond the restraint to subdue it and happily for ken sculpture is now a full time privilege. he draws his influence from the creators of the built environment (a later concentration of the advertising consultancy) and the organic shapes that occur in nature. ken works exclusively with wood. not the refined and rare woods that have become so precious in recent years but humble ordinary plywood used in cabinet construction. sometimes he combines it with dyed laminates introducing vivid color to the process. he remarked "the sheer joy of taking a grinder to laminated plywood to explore the hidden contours has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. what is revealed is frequently quite surprising. the key element to ending up with something lasting is simply learning when to stop.”
studios on the park • paso robles
stephanie’s work is perpetually on display in the up front gallery at studios on the park in paso robles, california. a selection of contemporary pieces rotate through the gallery changing seasonally. some of her current work on exhibition can be seen seven days a week beginning at noon. the address is 1130 pine street, paso robles, california. click below to learn more.
studios on the park upfront gallery website
"visual rhetoric"
ken had two pieces selected by the central coast sculptors group show called “visual rhetroic“ in the mcmeen gallery at the san luis obispo museum of art. the show ran through april 29th, 2018. the mcmeen gallery is upstairs from the main floor and is a wonderfully intimate environment with close proximity for viewing works of art. check it out next time you visit sloma.
san luis obispo museum of art
phantom15 popup gallery • san luis obispo
works by stephanie and ken have been accepted for the “phantom project 15” gallery exhibition in downtown san luis obispo, california. the show runs through october 2018. the gallery is open thursday-saturday 1-9 pm. the address is 959 higuera street. phantom presents a short term opportunity to see a wealth of central coast artist’s work. don’t miss it!
play phantom3 popupvideocentral coast sculptors website
paso robles art association
themed, juried shows are offered on a continuing basis through the paso robles art association. stephanie is an active member of the group. the current show’s theme is “contrasts” which runs through september ‘18. stephane won first place in the 3-d category for “night+day.” for more information on the p.r.a.a. and their many events click the button below.
paso robles art association websitecurrent show at praa
stephanie’s work is in the current central coast craft makers show
the show theme is “earth fire water” – the exibition is in the mcmeen gallery (second floor)
earth fire water showthis event showcases hand made art and crafts from a wide variety of california central coast artists. stop in and see the show at the san luis obispo museum of art before september 30 when it ends.
stephanie’s “textura” in the phantom 15 higuera street gallery
ken’s piece “splashdown” with custom pedestal in the gallery
