Investigating the ordinary is the pervasive theme in my work. I use accessible images as I look to express universal experiences. In using common place objects, I am expressing my personal meanings and my interest in shared stories.
My sculpture process involves building up coils and slabs out of clay and shaping the work by hand. The sculptures are hollow like a pot inside. Once bisque fired, I add a wash of glaze and sponge off so that the texture is emphasized. I fire to cone 5. The sculptures can be installed outdoors in temperate zones. - René Martucci
RENÉ MARTUCCI
Born 1960 Tacoma, Washington
Education
1983 UC DAVIS, CA: BA ART STUDIO, MINOR PSYCHOLOGY
1988 CSU SACRAMENTO, CA: TEACHING CREDENTIAL, ART
SUPPLEMENTAL CREDENTIAL, PSYCHOLOGY
Investigating the ordinary is the pervasive theme in Martucci’s work. She enlists accessible images as she looks to define universal experiences and create a vocabulary to express personal meaning and her interest in shared stories. A figurative artist, focusing on people and animals as her subject matter, Martucci seeks to represent thoughts, emotions, simple truths and states of mind. Much like Roy Deforest, Martucci has become well known for her dog imagery. The two were even paired together as the featured artists years back at a Sacramento Sutter Club event called “The Art of the Dog”. Choosing animals closely identified with human society — including cats — led Martucci to a project with renowned artist Judy Chicago. Working closely with Chicago, Martucci rendered cats from Chicago’s drawings in the book “Kitty City”. Chicago china painted the final sculptures in her signature style made famous by her 1974-79 installation “The Dinner Party”.
"In Martucci’s Dog On A Column series, pets are not solely objects of affection. Rather, Martucci elevates them to a favored status, toying with the subject in the same way that Robert Arneson featured typewriters and toilets. Whereas Arneson delved further into public commentary, Martucci connects with canine imagery found throughout sculptural history . . . . Her dogs are balanced atop stacked forms, raising them to human eye level. This elevation of the common object is very much in the tradition of Funk art absent the affronting banality that defined many of these works,” says ceramic historian Nancy Servis.
Martucci studied with Robert Arneson, Manual Neri and Wayne Thiebaud at UC Davis from 1978-1983. Under the guidance of Robert Arneson, Martucci developed solid craftsmanship and a pervasive desire to explore and challenge herself as an artist. In the dynamic environment of the university’s ceramic lab TB-9, Martucci spent many hours sharing ideas with talented art students including Lisa Reinertson, Arthur Gonzalez and Tony Natsoulas. Martucci continued her studies at CSU Sacramento focusing on K-12 art education.
Devoting over three decades to ceramic sculpture, Martucci has received wide attention for her work. Among her many installations, two of Martucci's signature dog columns stand at the entrance of the famous Staglin Vineyard in Napa - a winery noted for its extensive fine art collection. Martucci's Discovery and Knowledge bench and "Tower of Books" sculptures are located at the Mary L. Stephens Davis Branch Library.
Along with her studio activities, Martucci works on private commissions, public art projects, artist in residence and art education. She has led a number of community based projects with elementary school children, combining art education, art creation and social studies integration to create public art. Martucci's most recently completed public art project is "Dog Day" bench at 1st and F street in Downtown Davis. The five bench public art project at the Regal Davis Holiday 6 includes artist Rene Martucci, Donna Billick, Wes Horn, Mark Rivera and Jean Van Keuren.
Solo and group Exhibitions
2016
30 Ceramic Sculptors, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis CA
UC Davis Alumni Exhibition , The John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis CA
Bark! The John Natsoulas Gallery is presenting an exhibition of dog related artwork, Davis CA
Visions in Clay juried exhibition, Juror, Liz Quackenbush, LH Horton Jr Gallery, Stockton CA
2015
30 Ceramic Sculptors, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis CA
Bark! The John Natsoulas Gallery is presenting an exhibition of dog related artwork, Davis CA
Visions in Clay juried exhibition, Juror Lisa Reinertson, LH Horton Jr Gallery, Stockton CA
"An Eclectic Grouping," Elliott Fouts Gallery, Sacrament,o CA.
Featuring UC Davis Alumni + Professors. Featuring Rene Martucci, Peter & Camille Vandenberge, Robert Arneson, Wayne Theibaud, Tony Natsoulas, Troy Dalton, Jeff Nebeker & more.
2014
Members Medley, Blue LIne Gallery, Roseville, CA
30 Ceramic Sculptors, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis CA
Bark! The John Natsoulas Gallery is presenting an exhibition of dog related artwork the month of February in conjunction with a Roy De Forest exhibition.
Miniatures & Maquettes, The John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis CA
Transmedia Art Walk, Public art, "Dog Day" Bench by Rene Martucci, Davis Art Garage, First & F streets, Davis, CA
"Photographs and Sculptures", Dog & Horse galley, Charleston, SC featuring JIM DRATFIELD & RENE MARTUCCI
CROCKER ART AUCTION, Sacramento CA Works from 200 of the region's most distinguished artists.
2013
Visions in Clay juried exhibition, Juror Peter Held, LH Horton Jr Gallery, Stockton, CA
Ceramacon, Blue Line Gallery, Roseville.Juror Elaine Henry is currently the Editor/Publisher of the international ceramics journals Ceramics: Art & Perception and Ceramics TECHNICAL.
CAA: CERAMIC ANNUAL OF AMERICA, Civic Center Plaza , S.F.
2012
Plates, Totems & Teapots Exhibit Competition, Blue Line Gallery, Roseville, CA - National Juried competition , juror Christy Johnson (American Museum of Ceramic Art, Pomona CA )
30 Ceramic Sculptors 2013, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis CA
Michael Stephens Memorial Show, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis CA
Members Medley, Blue LIne Gallery, Roseville, CA
Bark! The John Natsoulas Gallery is presenting an exhibition of dog related artwork the month of February in conjunction with a Roy De Forest exhibition.
"30 Ceramic Sculptors Exhibition" 2012, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis CAJohn Mason, Robert Arneson, John Toki, Arthur Gonzalez, Lisa Reinertsen, Robert Arneson, Glenn Takai, Yoshio Taylor, Rene Martucci, Esther Shimazu, Emma Luna, Linda Fitzgibbon, and many more.
Big Names, Small Art - 2012, Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento
Pence Gallery Auction, Pence Gallery, Davis CA
CAA: CERAMIC ANNUAL OF AMERICA, Fort Mason Center , S.F.
2011
Bark! The John Natsoulas Gallery is presenting an exhibition of dog related artwork the month of February in conjunction with a Roy De Forest exhibition., The John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis CA
"ANIMAL DREAMS" – Animals as visual metaphors, a new leaf gallery I sculpturesite, Sonoma, CA 95476
"30 Ceramic Sculptors Exhibition", , John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis CA
CROCKER ART AUCTION, Sacramento , CA
Works from 200 of the region's most distinguished artists will be on display and for sale during the annual Art Auction.
CAA: CERAMIC ANNUAL OF AMERICA, Fort Mason Center , S.F.
Marking the Territory: A Tribute to Roy Deforest, PENCE GALLERY, Davis CA
Public Art: “The Story Grove”, ceramic and painted mural created by René Martucci and Juli Ann Blanco, Marguerite Montgomery Elementary, Davis, CA
2010
Public Art "Discovery and Knowledge" Joan Suico memorial bench, ceramic and cement bench. Mary L. Stephens Davis Branch Library, Davis CA
11th ANNUAL DOG & CAT SHOW includes a HORSE!! Howard_Skinner Gallery, Sacramento, CA
December 12 - Davis Branch Library reopening - Dedication of "Discovery & Knowledge" bench and more
CROCKER ART AUCTION:
Works from 200 of the region's most distinguished artists will be on display and for sale during the annual Art Auction.
"Barnyard Animals", Gallery 625,, Woodland CA
"30 Ceramic Sculptors Exhibition", 2010, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA: John Mason, Robert Arneson, John Toki, Arthur Gonzalez, Lisa Reinertsen, Robert Arneson, Glenn Takai, Yoshio Taylor, Rene Martucci, Esther Shimazu, Emma Luna, Linda Fitzgibbon, and many more.
"The Art of Public Art", Gallery 625, 25 Court Street Woodland CA. Lecture on the public art process from 6:30-7pm by YoloArts teaching artist Rene Martucci.
"THE STORIES WE SHARE" ribbon cutting ceremony.
A dedication for the school wide mosaic collaboration lead by Artist in Residence Rene Martucci
Marguerite Montgomery Elementary, Davis CA
2009
Ceramic sculptures by Rene Martucci and paintings by Deladier Almeida and James Chaffee. John Natsoulas Gallery
Davis CA
30 Ceramic Sculptors Exhibition 2009, The John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis CA
Public art community project: “The Stories We Share” school wide community project ceramic mosaic mural
Marguerite Montgomery Elementary, Davis, CA
CROCKER ART AUCTION, FINE ARTS BUILDING, CAL EXPO, Sacramento CA
"Side by Side #2" YCAC presents our Teaching Artists and their Students Work together
GALLERY 625, Woodland, CA
KIDS CLAY WORKSHOP with Rene Martucci, The John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis CA
Small works, Miniatures and Maquettes, The John Natsoulas Gallery, DAVIS, CA
Solo Exhibition: New Work by Rene Martucci, The John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis CA
2008
"Teaching the Arts in Yolo County",Woodland, CA
"Wild Thing" The Gallery at Cliff Lede Vineyards, Yountville, CA
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL
Group show benefiting UC Davis Community Surgery Program.. The John Natsoulas Center for the Arts, Davis CA
ANIMAL CRACKERS, PENCE GALLERY, Davis CA
ANNUAL ART AUCTION: BEYOND THE HORIZON, PENCE GALLERY, Davis CA
"It's Raining Cats and Dogs", Rene Martucci, Katheryn Wronski, Peggy Jane Murrray, The Gallery@ 48 Natoma, Folsom CA
30 Ceramic Sculptors Exhibition 2008, The John Natsoulas Gallery, DAVIS, CA 530 756-3938
In conjunction with the California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Art (CCACA)
CROCKER ART AUCTION
Cal Expo; Exposition Blvd. & I-80; Expo Center, Sacramento, CA
2007
Group show, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis
14th annual Valentines Auction, The Nelson Gallery, Davis
Annual Figuration Exhibition, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis
"Faces of Cats" Solo show, Fat Cat ", Woodland CA
30 Ceramic Sculptors Exhibition, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis
CROCKER ART MUSEUM Art Auction, Sacramento, CA
Art in the Garden Group Show, Pence Gallery, Davis
NEW WORK" Solo exhibit with Ester Shimazu & Bill Maul, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis
Restoration Workshop with René Martucci, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis
2006
Mastery in Clay , The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Studio 212: Pence Art Auction, Davis CA
Crocker art Museum Art Auction, Sacramento, CA
"30 Ceramic Sculptors", John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
The Cat Aesthetic, Rene Martucci & Judy Chicago , John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
2005
IWolk Gallery, St. Helena, CA
“New Work”, Solo Exhibition, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
"30 Ceramic Sculptors", John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
“Kitty City sculptures”, Judy Chicago & Rene Martucci., SOFA Chicago, Chicago IL
2004
"PLAY BALL!", John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
"The Clock Watchers", Pence Gallery, Davis, CA
Nelson Art friends 11th Annual Artists' Valentines Exhibition, Walter A. Buehler Alumni Center, UC Davis, CA
"30 Ceramic Sculptors", John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
SOFA Chicago, Chicago IL
LA Modernism, Santa Monica, CA
2003
"The Art of the Dog - Roy DeForest & René Martucci" Sacramento Sutter Club, Sacramento, CA
"30 Ceramic Sculptors", John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
Solo Exhibition, "Wall Hangings" Cafe California, Davis
"Art in a Cage" , Pence Gallery, Davis, CA
SOFA Art Fair, Chicago Il
Los Angeles Modernism Show, Santa Monica, Ca
"Whatever Floats your Boat", Pence Gallery, Davis, CA
Solo Exhibit ion "Dogs" , John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
2002
Solo Exhibition, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
"30 Ceramic Sculptors", Woodbury Gallery, Utah State College, Utah
Art Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM
30 Ceramic Sculptors, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
Functional Art, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
SOFA Chicago Art Fair, Chicago Il
Los Angeles Modernism Show, Santa Monica, Ca
2000
Installation of National & International Artists, UC NC at Chapel Hill, NC
SOFA New York, New York, Ny
1999
Solo Exhibition, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
Group Exhibition, b. sakata garo Gallery, Sacramento
1998
"All Creatures Great and Small", John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
"Sculptural Perspectives for the New Millennium", The LEF Foundation, St Helena, CA
"Thirty Ceramic Sculptors", John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
"Cuentistas Storytellers", Woman Artists, Yuba College, Woodland, CA
1997
International ceramic art fair, Faenza, Italy
Solo Exhibition, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
"Small Treasures", Thomas Oldheim Gallery, Sacramento, CA
"11th Annual Thirty Ceramic Sculptors", John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
Group Exhibition, The Sacramento Sutter Club, Sacramento, CA
"Eight Annual All Creatures Great and Small", John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
1996
"Thirty Ceramic Sculptors", Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
"All Creatures Great and Small" , John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
"Pence Gallery Art Auction", Davis Art Center, Davis, CA
1995
"The Masks We Wear", Archival Framing, Sacramento, CA
"Valentine Exhibit", Blooming Art, Sacramento, CA
"Sixth Annual Thirty Ceramic Sculptors- ARNESON through VOLKOS", John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
On Going exhibit, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, Il
"All Creatures Great and Small" , John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
"Benefit Art Auction", Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA
SOFA Exposition. Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
1994
"Cats" Solo Exhibition, Art Related Things, Davis, CA
1983-1993
"Puttin' on the Dog", Archival Framing, Sacramento, CA
"4th Annual All Creatures Great and Small", John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
"Art Studio Alumni Exhibition", Walter A Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center, UC Davis, CA
"Holy Night", John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
"Framed", Art Related Things, Davis CA
"Tic Toc", Art Related Things, Davis CA
"Ceramic Miniatures", Art Related Things, Davis CA
"Tea Time", Babb-Himovitz Gallery, Cambria, CA
"7th Annual 30 Ceramic Sculptors", John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
"Thirty Years of TB-9 : A Tribute to Robert Arneson" , John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
"All Creatures Great and Small", John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA
"Global Thought", Pistachio's, Davis, CA
Solo Exhibition, The Basement Gallery, UC Davis, CA
"TB-9 Show", The Basement Gallery, UC Davis, CA
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René Martucci