Marcia Stone

In Dave Hodge's art classes at Campus School, I learned to really see. I remember using blind contour drawing and all sorts of other artful techniques to do this. We drew or painted each other as part of the wildly creative landscapes of objects that surrounded us in Dave's classroom. "Mr. Hodge" was a relaxed, kind teacher who obviously delighted in encouraging creativity in his students. By the time I went to high school, I felt as if I had already had a full art education! In fact, I went on to be an art major and then worked as an art director and creative director in advertising agencies throughout my career. I also taught design at the college level.

(above) Star Sweater (ala Kaffe Fassett,) knitted with wool, silk, cotton and synthetic fibers, 1988

Now I'm a fiber artist and teacher. My work begins with a dirty sheep fleece and ends up as textural, colorful explorations of nature.

(above) Stereotypes, a TV commercial for Saturday Night Live: 1992; Marcia Stone, Art Director; Gary Topolewski, Writer; Mark Fenske, Director; M & Company, type design; Chrysler, Jeep/Eagle, client

My advertising career allowed me to not only travel the world, to work with clients large and small, but most importantly to collaborate with some of the best directors, photographers and creative minds around. And I first learned how to collaborate creatively in David Hodge's classroom.

(upper left) Syncopated Playtime, encaustic and thread, paper on wood panel, 2022

(upper middle) Umbrian Farms, plein air watercolor made on Arches paper, 2007

(upper right) Mosaic, encaustic, wax transfer and gold leaf on wood panel, 2022

I owe my love of art, color and creativity to those early explorations in Dave's classroom, and to the encouraging, creative culture that he nurtured there. Without realizing it, I believe that I learned how to open up my mind there, to make new connections. These early experiences of creative thinking set me up for success in a creative career. I am eternally grateful to you, David, for so intentionally creating an atmosphere where creativity could thrive and grow.

(below) Swimming Penguin, oil on canvas, 1977

(below) Red Boat on Still Waters, encaustic on wood panel, 2022

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