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.
two artists
the studio is home to two artists. 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, he laminates multiple layers 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.
kilnformed glass
the art of stephanie wilbanks
laminated plywood sculpture
the art of ken wilbanks
stephanie wilbanks’ glass art
kiln glass is cut cold on a table, 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. many designs require two or more sessions in the kiln to obtain the final desired effects, making each a unique piece of art. as an voice major, her background in music has provided her with a keen sense of rhythm, 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 on the central coast’s popular NPR show “ears on art” by crissa hewitt and steven deluque in her studio. click the button below to hear the segment.
ken wilbanks wood sculpture
ken draws his inspiration from the organic shapes that occur in nature. he also draws heavily upon cultural influences. his work with laminations of baltic birch plywood begin as an additive process to build shape and create form. through a subtractive process of carving and shaping the final sculptures are revealed. the laminations inherient in plywood create complex line and texture especially when exploited for edge view. integrally dyed layered laminates are sometimes employed to introduce vivid color and texture to the process. plywood being one of the common working materials of the construction and furniture making industries make it both abundant in supply and a challenge to visually elevate beyond its humble roots.
studios on the park
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.
studios on the park upfront gallery
"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 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
phantom popup gallery •
works by stephanie and ken have been accepted for several “phantom project” gallery exhibitions in downtown san luis obispo, california.
play phantom3 popupvideocentral coast sculptors
praa part of studios
themed shows are offered on a continuing basis through the paso robles art association. stephanie is an active member of the group. paso robles art association encourages artists and art lovers to interact and grow in a creative, supportive community.
paso robles art associationcontact praa
stephanie in the central coast craft makers show
the show theme was “earth fire water” in the mcmeen gallery
this event showcased hand made art and crafts from a wide variety of california central coast artists. “spring vinyard” sold during the show.
night+day selected for phantom16 in SLO
stephanie’s night+day sold opening night of the phantom16 show at art after dark. the unusual, highly textured, monochromatic, rectangular piece is a departure for the artist who loves utilizing bright color in her work.
artistic couples inspired show at studios
stephanie suggested a theme for creative couples who do art show for studios on the park and guest curated the show with sasha irving, the executive director. many artist couples participated in showing their work in the atrium gallery.
twirl•ply twins selected for phantom16
twirlply twins was selected for display in the phantom16 gallery in san luis obispo. this juried show is one of the best of the phantom series and includes a wide variety of work by some of the central coasts best known artists.
opening night at sola gallery in los angeles with “bifurcated ply” wood sculpture
sola gallery los angeles show theme "interplay: craft, art & design”
central coast sculptor’s group phantom16 exhibit at the popup gallery in san luis obispo
pARTners at studios on the park
the pARTners show at studios on the park featured many couples from the central coast area. the opening coincided wtih art after dark, a monthly occurance of paso robles growing art scene. many of the creative couples were in attendence despite the stormy weather.
new times article on “pARTners”
ryah cooley; music, art and culture writer of the new times slo penned an article on the pARTners show. here is a link to the article she captured the essence of pARTners beautifully.
artist statements next to work
creative couples put together a statement explaining how they work for display with their piece. the variety of disciplines that they are involved in and the diversity of those creative relationships are fascinating stories. stephanie’s piece in the show “scarlet ways” sold opening night.
stephanie’s new work
late 2019 to 2020 projects
cosmic reaction
fused glass with black steel display stand
18 x 13"
watermelon wave
fused glass freefloating on a clear glass pedestal 9 x 11"
cerulean waves
fused glass sculpture glass on a clear pedestal 10 x 5"
berry waves
fused glass freefloating on a clear glass pedestal 10 x 5"
windowpanes
fused glass with blac steel display stand
11 x 13
turquoise medley
fused glass with black steel display stand
15 x 12"
luminous galaxy
fused glass sculpture
8 x 8 x 6"
butterscotch squares
fused glass with black steel display stand
17 x 13"
butterscotch medley
fused glass with black steel display stand
17 x 13"
whimsical iris
fused glass tiles with teak wood backplane 16 x 36"
scarlet ways
fused glass with black steel display stand
17 x 12"
petrified medley
fused glass with black steel display stand
17 x 12"
janice pluma is a wonderful painter. her studio ateller 708 featured stephanie’s work in a facebook live event on saturday. she also offered some great information on collecting art. you can see the video here: https://www.facebook.com/janice.anja.kim/posts/1611132172381997
ken & stephanie’s art featured in “occupies space” virtual show at san luis obispo museum of art
stephanie’s work featured in studios' holiday show
studios on the park in downtown paso robles has an annual holiday show at the gallery. once again stephanie’s work is featured with an exhibit of holiday themed pieces including suites of plates, bowels and small dishes. the collections feature iterations on a theme with color, texture and shape. hardwood mounted glass tile pieces for wall display are also on offer. here is the link: https://studiosonthepark.org/events/handcrafted-for-the-holidays-2020/
whimsical blues (top)
liquid butterscotch
lavender edges
whimsical dunes
cherry ice