A study in sculpting

Torus Tammer

Nothing stops Huntington Beach artist and teacher Rhonda Jones from

sculpting. Rain or shine, Jones works from her studio, conveniently

located a few steps from her back door. Cancer tried to stop her once --

but it failed.

“I would stumble out [to the studio] -- no hair, no eyebrows and in my

PJs -- do what I could, then go back in and sleep a little,” Jones said.

“I wouldn’t allow it to take me away from my work.”

The cancer is now in remission, but the artist is definitely not. She

plans to exhibit her skills for the members of the Huntington Beach Art

League on Wednesday with a live demonstration.

Jones was born and raised in Huntington Beach and has always studied art.

She attended Golden West College, where drawing, painting and sculpting

were her focus. This piqued her interest in art. But it was many years

later, through serendipity, that Jones began studying sculpting

seriously.

Some 15 years ago, Jones persuaded her mother, Zelpha Dye, to accompany

her to sculpting classes as a distraction after a family tragedy. Her

mother attended one class before quitting, but Jones fell in love with

the art form all over again. This time, it was different.

Jones said she continued to study with a voracity not seen before.

Enthusiasm propelled her to learn under the tutelage of sculpting

teachers Blair Buswell and Paul Lucchesi, son of master sculptor Bruno

Lucchesi. Her skill was further flavored by time spent studying in

Pietrasanta, Italy, where she said Michelangelo’s “Unfinished Slaves” was

of particular inspiration .

“That environment was most valuable because there were no distractions,

only art and history to look at,” said Jones about the time she spent in

Italy. “It was important to connect and feel the thread of continuity

with artists throughout time.”

Being around Jones, one soon realizes that, for her, work is life. Every

aspect of her environment quite naturally pays tribute to life and the

reality it has created for her.

Her home and studio are located in the middle of an industrial strip.

Inside, Nicolai Fechin sketches adorn her office walls, while a family of

her own sculpted works are comfortably planted in the back. Jones is a

realist -- her art reflects reality. Everything that she owns or creates

is a reflection of her life.

Jones has received many honors in the time that has passed since her

learning days.

Among the most flattering was when a piece titled “The Gift” -- inspired

by the birth of her grandchild -- was displayed at an exhibition held by

the prestigious 123-year-old National Sculpture Society in New York City.

But when asked about what she considers to be her best work, she answers

with unequivocal certainty -- “My two daughters.”

Jones will continue her artistic journey with her display for the 200

members of the league. She plans to pluck a person from the audience and

sculpt him or her on the spot.

“This is different because I’ve never really worked under such a short

time constraint,” she said. “But I would love to see more sculpting in

the community of Huntington Beach.”

Jane Ice, chairwoman of programming for the Huntington Beach Art League,

said she was strongly encouraged by a fellow member to commission a

demonstration for the upcoming event. After seeing Jones’ work, Ice

promptly invited her to participate.

“Rhonda was warm and enthusiastic about art,” said Ice, sharing her first

impression. “Sculptors often don’t get a lot of attention, which is

amazing because we have such a high caliber of local talent here.”

The public is invited to attend the Huntington Beach Art League’s meeting

7 p.m. Wednesday at the Rodgers Seniors’ Center, 17th Street and Orange

Avenue in Huntington Beach. For more information, call 846-1207.