James Prestini

James Libero Prestini (January 13, 1908 – July 26, 1993) was an American sculptor, designer and woodworker.[2][3]

James Prestini
Born	January 13, 1908 Waterford, Connecticut
Died	July 26, 1993 (aged 85) Berkeley, California
Education	Yale University
Occupation	Sculptor, woodworker
Awards	Guggenheim Fellowship for Creative Arts, US & Canada (1972)[1]

Early life and education

He was born on January 13, 1908 in Waterford, Connecticut. He graduated as a mechanical engineer from Yale University in 1930.[2] In 1933 he began teaching mathematics at Lake Forest Academy.

Career

James held the post of professor of design at the University of California, Berkeley from 1956 to 1975.[4] He was known for his art of crafting wood into thin bowls and platters,[5] having qualities similar to that of glass or ceramics.[6][7] He made over 400 sculptures throughout his career.[8] His work is held in the collections of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the Art Institute of Chicago.[4][5][7]

Death

He died of heart failure on July 26, 1993.[2]

References

1. "John Simon Guggenheim Foundation | James L. Prestini". Retrieved 2020-07-27.
2. "University of California: In Memoriam, 1994". texts.cdlib.org. Retrieved 2020-07-27.
3. "James Prestini | Widewalls". www.widewalls.ch. Retrieved 2020-07-27.
4. "James Prestini | Smithsonian American Art Museum". americanart.si.edu. Retrieved 2020-07-27.
5. "James Prestini". The Art Institute of Chicago. Retrieved 2020-07-27.
6. "Craft in America » James Prestini". www.craftinamerica.org. Retrieved 2020-07-27.
7. "James Prestini | MoMA". The Museum of Modern Art. Retrieved 2020-07-27.
8. "James Prestini". TurningGallery.org. Retrieved 2020-07-27.