Alan Eaker
Alan Eaker is an artist, teacher, pioneer in art production, former farmer, and ex-marine who now lives in Northwest Michigan. From 1969 to 1990, Alan worked his way through the ranks at the University of South Florida, becoming Chairman of the Art Department and, in 1990, was appointed Director of Graphicstudio. Throughout his career, Alan has worked alongside many artists of great renown, including Carlo Zauli in ceramics in Faensa, Italy, and in co-founding Pyramid Arts, Ltd, a publisher of prints and sculpture, he assisted in the creation of works with artists such as Robert Rauschenberg, James Rosenquist, and Jim Dine, among others. Alan has shown in over 50 group and solo exhibitions including solo shows at 112 Green Street and Getler/Pall, both in NYC. Commentary on his work can be found in publications including Ceramic Monthly, Artforum, Art in America, and The New York Times. Alan received his BA in Ceramics from San Jose City College and an MA in Sculpture from University of California, Berkeley.
In 1998, he purchased and moved to a 105-acre farm on Michigan's Leelanau peninsula and planted 10,660 grapevines to start Longview Winery, creating many great wines that won numerous Best of Class awards. In 2015, Alan sold Longview Winery and is currently making art and enjoying life. He brings a passion and discipline to everything he sets his mind to. Tusen Takk and its Director, Geoffrey, consider it a fortunate set of circumstances that Alan lives nearby. His wisdom and council during construction of the studios has been invaluable. For example, it was Alan's idea to build an outside "painting" wall as many artists like to paint outdoors. This wall was created - it's the turquoise-stained wall in the courtyard, a wall of boards having beveled slits to hold canvases that have slightly angled L-brackets attached to their backs.
Artist Statement
Light informs my world. For me, “white” in all its forms and subtleties comes closest to representing how I see the world. The absence of light, “shadow,” provides the contrast. How light changes or reveals itself forms the dynamics of the work. The opportunity to come to Tusen Takk as an artist, with the support, encouragement and solitude of this incredible place, was one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. Henry James said it so well, “We work in the dark, we do what we can, we give what we have, our doubt is our passion, and our passion is our task. The rest is the madness of art.” This has been one of the most creatively expanding experiences of my life. I want to thank Geoffrey and everyone involved at Tusen Takk for this gift.
