Contemporary Sculptors of Chicago: Preston Jackson

Continuing with my series on Contemporary Sculptors of Chicago..
Here's Preston Jackson..
I met Preston Jackson yesterday, at the Art Institute of Chicago, where he has been teaching for the past 20 years. The first thing that struck me was how close in touch he was with the younger generation. What a rare gift where Old School Charm is completely adept and at ease with contemporary mannerisms. He took me to his classroom, at the Art Institute [image below]..



Here's Preston Jackson, in his classroom. And if a teacher has to come down to the level of students and elevate it to higher level, through his personal example, through his philosophy, through his teachings.. Preston Jackson is doing that with charm, elan, enthusiasm and success..I talked to a few of his students, and I think they love him..









The many moods of Preston Jackson.. serious, philosophical, humorous, playful, workaholic.. I laughed so much in my two hours with him, but then also saw glimpses of a very philosophical person..



Usually I meet sculptors in their studio, where they have many of their works. But I met Preston in his classroom, so could not see many of his work.. AND I will sure visit his studio.. [He invited me, so stay tuned for more posts on him].. However he did show me photographs of his work and his sketches [lucky me, not many see them].. He is very meticulous in writing his thoughts and inspirations is his personal journal and also sketches prolifically..





Here's sketch of one of his sculptures he is working on, It's a dead Sperm Whale..theme, "Save Our Planet"..





Few sketches from his journal. Sketched in a few minutes, of waking up, when still not completely awake..



Here's one of Preston Jackson's sculptures Irv Kupcinet Memorial.. on Wacker Drive..
I promise I will bring many more of his work..

# Check out his Monumental works..