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Residency Posts

New Sculpture in Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium

November 20, 2024 by David

David Franklin and Family Partners with Kohler Co to Make a Massive Sculpture and a Whole New Art Residency

The Once and Forever Lake Michigan Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez

We are so excited to announce the opening of our new project at the Shedd Aquarium on Chicago’s lakefront. Made at Kohler Co where I lived for 8 months with my Wife Joanne and my son Mikel took turns helping make the fish. We worked in the Kohler Factory Pottery along side Kohler associates and one retiree, to make the more than 1600 fish that make up the installation. Laura and David Kohler allowed us to make the work in their family factory. We were given access to its full resources to have an extended Wisconsin residency, which would become what is now known as “Makersspace”

Jim Vondruska-Chicago Sun Times

Chicago Sun Times

WTTW Chicago

From the Press Room:

CHICAGO – Shedd Aquarium is unveiling a brand new, permanent art installation that punctuates a newly enhanced accessible entry experience for guests. Created out of vitreous china, the hanging sculpture features 1,600 individual fish. They represent Lake Michigan species like longnose gar, lake trout, walleye, cisco, northern pike and lake sturgeon. Created by artist David Franklin, in partnership with Kohler, the piece – titled “The Once and Forever Lake Michigan” – celebrates the ancient aquatic species that have thrived in this region for thousands of years, while inspiring their continued protection for generations to come.   

The sculpture hangs in Shedd Aquarium’s new atrium, which was recently constructed as part of the aquarium’s multi-year Experience Evolution. Guests traveling up or down newly installed stairs and escalators will be able to get a closer look at the sculpture from various angles as they move from one level of the aquarium to another. As visitors move and flow through the space, views of the sculpture shift and change like a living school of fish in the lake. 

“Shedd Aquarium has such an important place in our community — positioned right where the vast wilderness of the Great Lakes meets the vibrant city of Chicago – a fitting place to celebrate the fish of lake Michigan,” said Sarah Hezel, vice president of design and exhibits at Shedd Aquarium. 

The installation took 30 days to complete, with Franklin, his wife Joanne Franklin, hanging each individual fish in the exact right position. The result is a dynamic formation of fish caught in suspended animation that can be viewed by guests from multiple vantage points as they enter or exit the aquarium. 

“My hope is that this sculpture will transport visitors entering Shedd into a dynamic scene beneath the surface of Lake Michigan. A preview of all the wonders that await them inside the aquarium,” said Franklin. “It was made at Kohler Company, near the shore of the lake, by the kind and hardworking people of the region. It is also intended to showcase the natural treasures swimming in Chicago’s home waters.”

The materials used to create the sculpture were scrupulously chosen to help blend the enhanced entry with the aquarium’s original architecture. While much of the historic details of the building enshrine marine species, this new installation helps the aquarium balance that motif with standout species from the freshwater world.  

  This project has been a two year long odyssey for my family and I. There were feats of strength and endurance, tragic failures, and great triumphs. I spent 8 months working in the faraway kingdom of Kohler, Wisconsin. It is a bit too much to fully illustrate right here. I will tell the whole story chapter by chapter right here very soon. Some background can be found in my blog here:

Acknowledgments:

We had a lot of help to make this happen.

This work was made In the Kohler Factory Pottery in Kohler, Wisconsin near the shores of Lake Michigan. It was designed with the help of Aaron Whelton and RBHU Engineers. It was made with the support of David and Laura Kohler and with help from our friend Shari McWilliams, and countless associates at the factory. My wife, Joanne Franklin, Mikel Franklin, Ruby Franklin, Sarah Franklin, our friend and Kohler retiree John Bueter worked closely with us in the studio. Todd Miskie, Scott Meyer, Patrick Schad, ValJean Marcos, Brian Miller, Brian Penkwitz, Jim Limberg, Kevin Mallach, Roger Sheets, Randy Halida, John Zutz, David Hammer, Jamie Schramm, Tom Bowen, Mike Frombauch, Vitor Wojastyk, Steve Czekala, Russ Swagell, Dave Glanders, Jeff Radke, Jerry Thorpe, Dale Wagner, Mike Schmitz all contributed to the success of the project. 

Thanks to the team at John G Shedd Aquarium: Bridget C. Coughlin, Sarah Hezel, Julian Glomb, Sarah Aman, Kristen Neria, Brenna Hernandez, Sam Cejtin and so many others.

JLL: Jessica Mavrogenes, Kelly Kilboy, and Ewa Weir

Pepper Construction: Dave Haas, Tom Baldacci, Derrick Ellis, Bryant Loving, Bob O’Brien, Gina Colucci, and Janice Myrick.

The Once and Forever Lake Michigan Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez
New Sculpture in Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium

Filed Under: carving, ceramics, collaborations, Installations, News, Public Art, Residencies, sculpture, Uncategorized Tagged With: Art, carving, ceramics, chicago, david franklin, fish, Kohler, public art, sculpture, Shedd Aquarium

Scuola Di Pesci

October 23, 2024 by David

Milan Design Week/Salone Del Mobile 2024 With Kohler Co

Photo Courtesy of Kohler Co

About Scuola Di Pesci

Made from Vitreous China, Glaze, PVD Coatings, String, Beads

 Creatures of water, borne of earth and fire, embody the theme of 2024 Milan Design Week “Materia Natura.” The “Scuola di Pesci” installation represents the importance of forage fish as a cornerstone species for our oceans and freshwater habitats.  Like these small fish, we all need clean water.  The gleaming fish are jewel-like treasures of the ocean.

 My wife Joanne and I made these fish with the help of 44 year Kohler retiree John Bueter, on the 150th anniversary of Kohler Co. This installation was inspired by the environment and strong fishing culture of Lake Michigan, one of America’s Great Lakes, where the Kohler Factory is located.

The installation was made with the same materials and glazes used in Kohler products. The fish are finished in traditional Kohler glazes. Some also have a PVD luster finish, that adds a reflective streak of color to the installation.  This streak of color represents both aquatic and human diversity. It also represents the incredible potential of uniting artistry with industry. 

Joanne and I were invited to temporarily install this school of fish in Milan for Design Week 2024 by Kohler Co, as part of their brand showcase. It also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the John Michael Kohler arts Center’s Arts/Industry residency program.

It was a dream come true to showcase my work in Italy with so many other incredible talented people from around the world.

Photo Courtesy of Kohler Co
Photo Courtesy of Kohler Co

More

This was my third trip to the Kohler Factory to work. This project came about because of a larger project that will soon be unveiled at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago

You can learn more about the evolution of this idea here!

Photo Courtesy of Kohler Co
David and Joanne Franklin at the Salone Del Mobile 2024, Milan, Italy

Filed Under: ceramics, Installations, News, Residencies, sculpture, shows, Uncategorized Tagged With: arts industry, arts induswtry, ceramics, david franklin, design week, fish, Kohler, milan, ocean, pvd, salone del mobile, sculpture

Making a Plaster Bluegill at Kohler Company Picnic

August 1, 2023 by David

celebrating 150 years at Kohler Co

standing next to the huge Kohler sign

Making a plaster bluegill at the Kohler Company Picnic

I am working on a couple of exciting projects in the pottery at Kohler Co in Wisconsin this summer. It also happens to be the 150th anniversary of Kohler Co. In order to give Kohler associates, and their families, a glimpse of what we are doing in the pottery we set up a booth at the company picnic. I volunteered to demonstrate carving and Shari McWilliams had the brilliant idea of casting plaster miniature versions of a bluegill fish I carved. This would be a craft activity for kids and families. The project was meant to illustrate the work done in the Kohler pottery. The pottery’s mold makers made the molds for the plaster bluegill craft. It was great to see all of the departments in the pottery represented so well at the company picnic.

Making a plaster bluegill at the Kohler Company Picnic was an incredible, if not messy, success thanks to the help of some great volunteers and leadership by: Shari McWilliams who made it all possible, Todd Miske, Joanne Franklin and Melissa Hand who organizes the picnic.

My wife Joanne has been working hard in the pottery casting fish with me. She has also been having a crash course in ceramics and helping manage the projects too. This is quite the family project.

Some pictures from the picnic:

Make your own plaster bluegill
Kohler CEO David Kohler discussing the craft project with Shari McWilliams
Kohler CEO David Kohler discusses the craft project with Shari McWilliams
 honored to be paid a visit from Laura Kohler
Laura Kohler paid a visit
Vitor Wojastyk, Pottery Superintendent, and his son
Casting Floor Supervisor Tom Bohn and his family
Kohler Pottery Casting Floor Supervisor Tom Bohn and his family making plaster bluegills

Brian and Sherry Miller representing the mold making department
Brian and Sherry Miller representing the mold making department
Arts/Industry resident artists Cathy Lu, Jacob Olmedo,  and the program  tech, Nicole Woodard
Arts/Industry resident artists Cathy Lu, Jacob Olmedo, and the Arts/Industry program tech, Nicole Woodard
Eddy is our next door neighbor on the pottery casting floor.
Eddy is our next door neighbor on the pottery casting floor.
successful plaster casters!
successful plaster casters!
Our booth at the Kohler Company Picnic  150 Years of Kohler
Our booth at the Kohler Company Picnic celebrating 150 Years of Kohler

Learn more about my past experiences as a John Michael Kohler Arts/Industry resident can be found at my blog here It is an incredible program that can change your life. Apply here!

Filed Under: News, Residencies, Uncategorized Tagged With: bluegill, carving, casting, ceramics, david franklin, fish, Kohler, Kohler 150th Anniversary, Kohler Co, plaster, School of Fish, sculpture, vitreous china, wisconsin

The Ghost School at the New KEC LAX

March 4, 2018 by David

The Ghost School installed at the Kohler Experience Center
The Ghost School installed at the Kohler Experience Center in West Hollywood California

Late last year I was invited to install the Ghost School at the new Kohler Experience Center, Los Angeles.  Kohler Company provided an incredible spot to install the sculpture that I had made at the Kohler Factory, in Wisconsin, in 2015.  For the next year it will be prominently featured in the window of their new flagship showroom in West Hollywood, California on Beverly Bvld.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: ceramics, Installations, News, Residencies, sculpture Tagged With: Bait ball, California, ceramics, craft, david franklin, Indianola Washington, KEC LAX, Kohler, Kohler Company, Kohler Experience Center, Kohler Experience Center Los Angeles, KohlerCo, Los Angeles, Pacific ocean, School of Fish, sculpture, sharks, sustainability, weho, West Hollywood

Making “The Ghost School”

February 1, 2016 by David

Closeup of one of the vitreous china sharks circling the dense swarm of Herring
Closeup of one of the vitreous china sharks. Made at a John Michael Kohler Arts/Industry Residency 2015.

Why make a ceramic school of fish?

The concept for “The Ghost School” came from an urge to make a hanging sculpture that captured the dense swarming beauty of a school of herring surrounded by predators. Why do these dense schools of bait fish form? Protection from predators. Since we eat what eats them, it’s these cloud-like schools of fish that we look for when salmon fishing out on the Salish Sea with my family. It’s also the kind of formation of fish that countless predators large and small seek around the world to feed on in large lakes, seas, and oceans. Flocks of sea birds will also give away where these schools of fish are as they circle and dive to feed on them.

School and PredatorBait fish or forage fish like herring, anchovies, sardines, eulachon, smelt, and alewives form a vital link between the tiny creatures they feed upon, like plankton, and the larger fish we eat, like salmon. They also support creatures like diving birds as well as whales, sharks, and many other creatures. These species are under a lot of pressure from overfishing and a number of other factors and their numbers are declining rapidly. This is the case in my neighborhood, and as they go, so do the birds and fish that feed on them. That is why this art project became “The Ghost School.” I created it to add voice to the alarm and to honor these small fish that are beginning to disappear from our waters.

The Ghost SchoolThankfully, as awareness of the issue grows, these fish have been getting some good press lately. There is a great short film made by Jesse Nichols, a talented young man from my hometown, that explains the importance of forage fish and some of the action being taken to preserve them in Western Washington. To the north, First Nations groups led by the Heiltsuk in British Columbia are leading protests agains commercial over-fishing and closing their own vital fishery to try to maintain the viability of herring stocks and to raise a greater awareness to the decline of these precious resources. Also, National Geographic recently did two articles about the struggles facing fish like these, which can be found here and here.

How I Made the “Ghost School”

Carved Fish and Shark
Carved Fish and Shark

To make the Ghost School I started with seven carved fish and two carved sharks. Each fish was a different size and had a different curved form. These were then molded, cast, fired, recast and fired again to create 16 different sized fish molds which provided the needed variety for the natural look of “The Ghost School.” Here are photos of the process:

Molding a Herring
Molding a Herring

 

 

 

Fish molds full of slip
Fish molds full of slip

Shark coming out of its mold
Shark coming out of its mold

Fish that didn't make it
Fish that didn’t make it

During my peak production my goal was to cast sixteen fish twice a day. This yielded around twenty seven good fish, as I would consistently lose several when releasing them from their molds, due to broken fins and sometimes full-on collapsing.

Support structure – or, what’s it hanging from?

I needed a structure to hang the fish from, one that could carry the significant weight of the number of fish it took to take to create the school. The school is very heavy, as all the fish and sharks are made from the same vitreous china that all ceramic Kohler products are made from (resident artists work within the factory and use all the same production materials). The structure also needed to work with the water/school of fish theme. So I enlisted my public art team of Arron Whelton and Kurt Nordquist to help design the interlocking plywood grid to support the school of fish.

Ripple support grid virtual model
Ripple support grid virtual model

I designed the lower surface of the support structure with a sculptural ripple effect that is similar to my last couple of public art projects. Visually, it serves to places the fish underwater as well as relate it to my greater body of work. The structure was hung from a steel beam used in the studios for operating chain hoists for lifting heavy objects.

The grid and string all ready for fish
The grid and strings all ready for fish

As the fish were cast and cleaned up on a daily basis, one batch was run through the drier while another batch was run through the kiln. I assembled the school slowly, adding a few fish at a time every couple of days, as they were ready.

Greenware fish on a kiln car
Fish on a kiln car heading into the fire.

Assembling the Ghost School
Assembling “The Ghost School”

Each fish is suspended from pairs of holes to ensure they do not freely rotate. The fish are supported on 250 lb braided test fishing line with antique venetian glass beads.

It took three months and 468 fish to complete the Ghost School. None of this would have been possible without the support of my amazing wife Joanne, who continues to support my crazy ideas all these years, and who took care of everything at home while I was away, most importantly our three beautiful busy daughters.

The Ghost School
Sharks surround a school of herring

The associates at the factory, whom I count as good friends, were a huge help and pleasure to work with. Also thanks to the people at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, especially Kristin Plucar. Shari McWilliams, the program tech, was indispensable. The piece will remain in Wisconsin as part of the Kohler Company collection and displayed in one of their hospitality properties for public viewing. I would like to thank Laura and David Kohler and Kohler Company for making this possible.

Finally, none of the Arts/Industry residencies would be possible without the kindness, generosity, and great vision of Ruth Kohler, who started the residency program over 40 years ago and has brought new and greater possibilities to artists like me ever since.

PS – Side Project

ceramic school of fish in a hospital ware sink
“Ghost TV”

Because every residency needs at least one side project! “Ghost TV” is a collaboration with Paul Roehrig, the caster that makes this large flushable hospital ware sink known as a “TV.” His work station was near mine and he wanted to collaborate on a piece of artwork. He has been working at Kohler for nearly as long as I have been alive and is a master of the most difficult pieces, and I was honored to be given this to work on.

Filed Under: Installations, News, Process, Residencies, sculpture Tagged With: Arts/Industry, Bait ball, carving, ceramics, craft, Forage Fish, Herring, JMKAC, Kohler, Kohler Company, sculpture, Shark, swarm

When Your Residency Goes on Strike

November 18, 2015 by David

As many of you know I’m in the midst of my second Kohler Arts/Industry Residency. It’s one of the very few programs in the country where artists are invited to utilize a studio housed inside a working factory, and it’s the best of its kind. Residents are flown to Wisconsin, provided lodging and a small stipend, and given the opportunity to work on a level that only a factory can provide. At the Kohler pottery, I receive all of the slip (liquid clay) I need, endless mold-making and firing capabilities, and the expert advice of Shari McWilliams, one of the most amazing ceramic techs around. Working alongside the highly skilled factory employees every day allows me to draw from their expertise, too. In return for all these fantastic resources, I’m asked only to donate some of my work and a few hours of educational time.

Assembling the Ghost school in the Pottery
Assembling the Ghost School in the Pottery

The Kohler Arts/Residency Program was launched in the early 1970s by the tireless and remarkable Ruth Kohler, who also is director of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Ruth’s dedication to philanthropy has had a huge impact in the local community and has benefited artists from around the world. In selecting me for the Arts/Residency program, Ruth resurrected my career, catapulting me forward into new artistic worlds, and benefitted me greatly.

This is my second residency at Kohler, so when I arrived I already had a number of old friends in the factory and immediately began making new ones. Strong relationships are vital to getting my work through the production system, and the hands-on time these workers spend assisting me in my projects is amazing. The friendships continue in the off-hours, too. Twice, Marty, one of the pottery inspectors, took me fishing.

Catching fish on Lake Michigan
Marty and I with my first Lake Michigan Rainbow Trout

Another day, my friend Dave took me and another resident on a tour of the local countryside, which really opened my eyes to the depth of Wisconsin’s beauty and the kindness of its people. Dave has been determined that I get the full Wisconsin experience this time, and made it his mission to make sure I take the time to do that.

In thanks for all of the warmth and hospitality I’ve received during this long stretch away from home and family, I asked each of the workers sign a fish in “The Ghost School,” so I could tangibly integrate the feeling of camaraderie, of working together, into my project.

Dave Stark and I at the Parnell Tower
Taking a tour of the Kettle Moraine and the Parnell Tower to see the fall color.

Throughout this residency, negotiations between Kohler and the UAW Union (which represents most of Kohler’s employees) have loomed. In the past few weeks the tension has been building. It finally erupted when the company made an offer. The workers soundly rejected it and went on strike. Having made concessions during the previous contract negotiations, which happened during the recession, the workers are taking a principled stand in defense of the lowest paid among them. Risking their holidays — and who knows what else — to walk picket lines in Wisconsin’s bitter cold, these men and women are taking a step into the unknown to do what they believe is right. For that, I respect them now more than ever.

pottery workers on strike
Pottery workers on strike

On the other side of the line are the Kohlers. As an artist and a participant in the residency program they have been good to me. They’ve  promoted my work, provided opportunities I never could have imagined, and allowed me to work in their unparalleled facilities achieving things I never could have done on my own. These are amazing gifts that can’t be forgotten or underestimated.

The Ghost School
The Ghost School

I am allowed to cross the line and enter the factory at any time. The workers know me and understand I have a contract to fulfill and have many non-union friends going to work every day. The lines are not as clear as you might think. But I haven’t set foot inside since the strike began. Instead, I’ve been drawing and catching up on other work. Eventually I will go in to finish my work and complete what needs to be done. Meanwhile, the wind and rain are having a new and different significance as I think about my friends out on the picket line.

Sometimes life turns out to be more of an adventure than one bargains for. I hope for a quick resolution, though I’m not very optimistic about that. What I am certain about is the good that resides in all the people here. Their kindness has touched me profoundly and I owe everyone involved a deep debt of gratitude. Wisconsin is truly a beautiful place, and the Arts/Industry program has provided the experience of a lifetime.

Filed Under: News, Residencies, sculpture Tagged With: Bait ball, carving, ceramics, craft, david franklin, drama, fine art, Herring, School of Fish, sculpture, Strike, swarm, Union, Water, woodworking

Masking Off the Original

October 7, 2012 by David

Beginning to mask off a wooden original with bench clay.  You have to cover everything you don't want covered in the mold making plaster which is rigid and doesn't allow for undercuts.
Beginning to mask off a wooden original with bench clay. You have to cover everything you don’t want covered in the mold making plaster which is rigid and doesn’t allow for undercuts.

Filed Under: Residencies Tagged With: Kohler 2012

Smiling Faces

October 4, 2012 by David

smiling-faces-David-Franklin

Filed Under: Residencies Tagged With: Kohler 2012

Molds and Forms

October 4, 2012 by David

fish-kohler-David-Franklin fish2-David-Franklin shapes-to-cast-David-Franklin

Filed Under: Residencies Tagged With: Kohler 2012

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David Franklin

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Unloading #ceramic #fish from the #kiln @kohler fo Unloading #ceramic #fish from the #kiln @kohler for @shedd_aquarium for The Once and Forever Lake Michigan #artinstallation #sculpture #art
Sun Lodge 1.8.2025 Preston Singletary and David Fr Sun Lodge 1.8.2025 Preston Singletary and David Franklin.  The shadows of The Sun Lodge paint the wall of the new STEM learning building as the sun passes overhead at Pierce College in Puyallup. Learn more at davidfranklinart.net #publicart
View from the #scissorlift during the installation View from the #scissorlift during the installation of The Once and Forever Lake Michigan #sculpture @shedd_aquarium with @indianolafranklin made in cooperation with @kohler at their factory pottery in #kohlerwisconsin The sculpture was madewith the help of @aawhelton @sharisamstudio @jbue.ter and so many more..#fish #slipcast #ceramic #vitreouschina #chicago #kohler #sheddaquarium #lakemichigan davidfranklinart.net
This year @indianolafranklin and I finished the pr This year @indianolafranklin and I finished the project of a lifetime at the world’s first #saltwater #aquarium on the #chicago #lakefront @shedd_aquarium  Made with 1600 #slipcast #ceramic #fish, 6 species in multiple poses and miles of cables were made to create an underwater scene of predators and prey in #lakemichigan.  It was made with the generous support of @kohler the #kohler family and factory associates in #kohlerwisconsin Thank you and happy new year to everyone who helped us make this project a reality, with a special thanks to the great folks at the Shedd that helped us incorporate it into their vision for the future of the historic aquarium. #laketrout #walleye #northernpike #longnosegar #sturgeon #ciscoe
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