On display in the South Gallery of the Columbia Art League
6.10.26 - 7.11.26
Artist Statement
Statement concerning my work in this show: Mid-century modern is an American design movement in interior, product, graphic design, and architecture that was popular from roughly 1945 to 1969. It is characterized by clean lines, organic and geometric forms, and a strong focus on functionality, often aiming to bring modernism into everyday life. (modified AI Google search) Frank Lloyd Wright’s furniture is considered a major precursor and influence on Mid-century modern design. While his heyday (Prairie style) predates the Mid-century modern peak, his later work utilized the natural materials, built-ins, and geometric, functional forms common to Mid-century modern design. (modified AI Google search) For this special South Gallery show, I have chosen to craft several wood pieces reflecting Mid-century modern general characteristics. My work is only inspired by Mid-century modern designs and is not a reproduction of specific Mid-century modern pieces. I focus on using incredible hardwoods from all over the United States, but I also accent my pieces with (ethically sourced) exotic woods found throughout the world. My primary goal for this show, and in general, is to highlight beautiful, unique wood in interesting ways, and (hopefully) to create objects that are joyful and reveal the diversity and beauty of hardwoods found throughout the world.
Artist Bio
Ira J. Papick is an Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2008-2011) and an Emeritus Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia (1978-2008). He received his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Rutgers University in 1975. His research areas are in Commutative Algebra and Mathematics Education. He has published numerous research papers and co-authored the research-level book, Prufer Domains, Marcel Dekker Pure and Applied Mathematics Series, 1996, and authored the undergraduate textbook for middle-grade mathematics teachers, Algebra Connections, Prentice Hall, 2005. Professor Papick has extensive involvement in K-12 mathematics reform, with particular emphasis on teacher preparation, and was the PI or co-PI on several National Science Foundation grants focusing on K-12 mathematics curricular materials and teaching practices. Professor Papick is the recipient of five University of Missouri teaching awards (Purple Chalk Award, Amoco Award, Mystical 7 Award, Kemper Award, President’s Award), the most prominent of which is the Intercampus Presidential Award for Outstanding Teaching, 2001.
