Ross Zirkle

Selected works of Ross Zirkle

2007-11-09T15:27:00.000-08:00

Due to popular request we announce a special gallery showing

From The Estate of Ross Zirkle

Selected works of Ross Zirkle including framed and unframed artist pulled waterless lithographs, stone lithographs, wood cuts, and drawings

THE COUNTERPANE STUDIO & GALLERY
210 Woodland Avenue, Lexington, KY

On the corner of Woodland Avenue & Maxwell Street
2nd floor

RECEPTION:
Friday, December 7th, 5 pm - 9 pm
Gallery Hours:
Saturday, December 8th, 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday, December 9th, 1 pm - 4pm

Phone: 859-321-1257 E-Mail: studio.66@insightbb.com
To purchase on-line: http://www.ravenwolf.etsy.com

Memorial Service - Ross Zirkle at UK Memorial Hall

2007-03-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

There will be a memorial on the University of Kentucky campus Friday April 20 at 2p.m. in Memorial Hall.

If you are out of town and would like to come in, you are more than welcome too. Also, if you would like to say a few words about Ross at this memorial, feel free to contact Ben Withers, the chair of the department, who is doing the organizing.

We would like to start an art scholarship in Ross's name, if you would like to make a contribution for that you will also need to contact Ben Withers.

Here is Mr. Withers email's
bwithers@uky.edu
bcwith2@email.uky.edu

Ross Zirkle - Memorial Service

2007-03-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

Memorial services are being arranged, and will be held on the campus of the University of Kentucky on Friday April 20th at 2p.m. Specific information is currently being planned and will be posted soon. Anyone and everyone touched by Ross are encouraged to attend.
If you would like to send something to Suzanne please send to
915 McClain Dr.
Lexington, Ky. 40505
Thanks
Derrick

Ross Zirkle Article in Lexington Herald Leader

2007-03-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.kentucky.com/211/story/16478.html

Ross Zirkle Leaves Us Behind

2007-03-13T07:07:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody,
Ross's long hard fight with cancer ended Monday about 5:30 p.m.. The last couple of days have been incredibly hard with fevers and hallucinations, on top of liver and kidney failure. He talked about printing and art up close to the very end. For those of you attending the Southern Graphics Conference in a week and a half, I'll still see you there and I'm bringing Ross's spirit with me.
Derrick Riley

Bad News on Ross Zirkle's recovery

2007-02-27T09:28:00.000-08:00

Things are not going so well now. The new chemo that Ross has been on, hasn't done a damn thing. From what I understand the cancer is all over the liver and has already spread to the lymph nodes, it has not yet spread to the brain or lungs. Since the new chemo was a complete failure, Ross and his doctors have decided to go back to a form of the original chemo that did
so well at the beginning, his treatments will now be two doses in consecutive days, along with three types of drugs to go along with it. The choices for Ross are becoming very limited, he was given the option of the treatment that he will start soon, an experimental treatment only used on two people whose results are not known yet, or to stop treatments. This new treatment will continue until sometime in april when they will stop and do another evaluation. I don't know what else to say right now, it's just been a shitty day.
I'll be in touch soon,
Derrick

What caused Ross' cancer

2007-01-24T17:58:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

I am writing you all with more specifics about Ross's new treatment. I just talked to Suzanne and happen to ask if they ever figured out where the cancer began. She says the doctors now believe that it all began in the lungs. When the tests started, all those months ago, they never found any cancer in the lungs but they did find pre-cancer/remnant signs. The doctors said that when the body recognizes the cancer it attacks it, and the cancer responds like a dandy lion and spreads "spores" all over the body. Although there are no signs of lung cancer now, the new medicine that he has been put on is made specifically for patients with lung cancer due to prolonged exposure to asbestos. Ross's treatment will continue until the end of February, then they will stop and do another evaluation. I'll be back in touch when new news comes up.

Derrick

Ross Zirkle Update for January 2007

2007-01-10T19:58:00.000-08:00

I have gotten used to Ross's constant improvements, however, today I am reminded of Ross' fragility. Ross had another scan last weekend and was read the results today. The good news is that all of Ross's cancer is under control (no growth). The bad news is that they have discovered a new spot in the liver. If I am understanding correctly, this is the first spot that they are sure has originated in the liver, and has to be treated differently. I am no doctor, but I believe I was told that cancer that has spread to an organ is easier to treat, but a cancer that has originated in an organ (the liver) is much harder to work with: if I'm wrong please correct me. The spot, at this time, is very small but has appeared and grown since last month. Ross and Suzanne have taken the news pretty hard, they weren't expecting it and wasn't prepared. The plan is that they will change the type of Chemo and add some experimental treatment that will focus on the new growth. I'm sure we all know how horrible liver cancer is, however I have hope. While I was at home in Paducah Kentucky for Christmas, I read an article in the paper about local women that was diagnosed with liver cancer. She was put onto some experimental drug along with her chemo, and has since seen extraordinary improvements. If it can happen in Paducah, I know it can happen in Lexington. For me the term "experimental drugs and treatment," is really scary, I just have to remember that everything was experimental at one time. I'll be in touch when more is known. Derrick

Christmas Greeting From Ross Zirkle & Update

2006-12-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

Ross’s is progressing with his chemotherapy treatment with only minor complications like losing his hair, hardening of his veins, and short-term memory loss. These are indeed small when you compare them to the cancer reduction he has experienced during his last two scans. He is working to building him self up physically with yoga. His most recent project is to buy a small house on 915 McClain Drive, Lexington Kentucky, 40505. Though it is a small house it does feature a garage space that should hold the print shop he is envisioning for it. He quips that it took cancer to make him face a thirty-year mortgage! Perhaps it is an act of faith because to do the deal he had to pass on a long tern disability package that the school was about to offer him. He said that he would rather be teaching and his first class will be a wood engraving class in the spring semester. It will be his first time out teaching this class at the University of Kentucky. Which makes him nervous but his good friend Jim Horton has been very helpful getting him up to speed for this class. The relief carving he has done since he came out of the hospital has been very meditative and restful to do. He is hopeful that the home studio will be just as restful and productive a space for him in the future. If so then it will be just what the doctor ordered for him less stress.

Ross Zirkle at the Reception

2006-11-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

Putting My Affairs in Order - The Exhibit

2006-10-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

Ross is back in the studio working very limited hours, working hard at regaining his stamina.

He will be joining us on Friday October 27, 2006 at The Art Depository, 106 E Maple Street Nicholasville KY for his reception. We have loaded the gallery with 46 works all hand pulled by Ross. They are magnificant!

Come visit with Ross from 5-9 pm.

You can see more images at http://www.artdepository.blogspot.com.

PUTTING MY AFFAIRS IN ORDER - Announcement

2006-09-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

PUTTING MY AFFAIRS IN ORDER

2006-09-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

A Retrospective of Sorts by Ross Zirkle

NICHOLASVILLE, KY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2006: The Art Depository, 106 E. Maple Street, Nicholasville, KY will host a reception for UK Professor Ross Zirkle on October 27, 2006 5 pm to 9 pm. Zirkle’s work will be on exhibit from October 19, 2006 through November 25, 2006.

The idea of a retrospective never set well with local artist Ross Zirkle. That is though, until doctors told him that his life was about to end in a couple of months. Then the idea of sharing who he was and where his journey might be heading after his recovery seemed like a very good idea to Mr. Zirkle. His art work has to an extent, always been a personal visual diary. In hindsight, it even contained secrets from him. The older work illuminates where the newer work was coming from. The new work constantly references the older work, so why are they never or rarely shown together? It is as if the new work was created in a vacuum, which has never been the truth. When one views the work of Ross Zirkle there are some constants. There is almost always a figure, which is being addressed metaphorically by the language of the piece. The figure emerges from the layers of often contradicting information that he has layered upon his figures with. The postmodern area made this artist aware of the conflicting language systems that we use every day in out lives. Rather than the resulting confusion one would expect there are jumps of understanding and clarity concerning our human condition. Yes, we live in the cognitive statistical truths of science at the same time we live in the biological spiritual myths found in our bodies. His work reveled for some time in the visual texture these separate truths afforded in his prints.

This phase gradually gave way to Mr. Zirkle seeking a personal language to talk about the issues of mortality and infinity. He worked his figures with their own symbols that were at once decorative and ancient. This really slowed down production as art making became Zirkle’s own personal meditation. Could it be he was already about the business of getting his spiritual house in order for his eminent departure? We like to believe this is so but it is also a much more universal calling for us all to consider our place in the mysteries of the infinite. Consumerism may have blinded us to the ultimate job at hand. Ross Zirkle’s work however, is about readdressing the balance that is needed for all of us presently. Not just for him personally (because of his present circumstances) but for every single human being who will eventually face this unknown part of every life cycle. It must be done on their own personal terms. Mr. Zirkle’s art is just his quest for his own truth. We suspect and hope that meditation upon this work will help others find their own individual paths.

Ross Zirkle is currently on a medical leave of absence from his responsibilities of teaching drawing and printmaking at the University of Kentucky. Last year he was promoted to Associate Professor and was awarded the University of Kentucky’s Alumni Associations Teacher of the Year. He has presented his research into waterless lithography at over thirty national conferences and or workshops. His own personal work has been shown in over one hundred national juried shows in the last five years. He currently works in his studio apartment located in downtown Lexington.

The Art Depository is currently open Thursday & Friday from 10 am – 7 pm, and Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm. Appointments can be made to view the gallery at other times by calling 859-885-0106 or 859-536-5405.

Ross Update for Thursday Sept 21,2006

2006-09-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,
The good news keeps coming.Ross had a meeting with his doctor today to learn what the results of the tests from a couple of weeks ago actually meant. The doctor said that there has been a 55% shrinkage in the total mass of cancer. Also, Ross is printing again, he ran three colors of a woodcut last week. He's not able to do it by himself yet, but finding people willing to help him isn't the hardest thing to do. I'll be in touch if any more news comes out.
Later, Derrick

Update on Ross September 7, 2006

2006-09-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody,
Finally, I have some good news to pass on. Ross just finished his
first round of chemo and the doctors did tests to check improvement.
The doctor said today, that Ross is healing beyond expectations. They
seem to be really encouraged by the amount of improvement Ross has had
over this first round. Because of this, they have decided to
basically double his chemo dosage beginning this Saturday. Ross is
always a little sick after the Chemo and is a little scared to find
out what double the dose will do, but is encouraged that he's "not
dieing anymore, man," as he puts it. Because it's such a heavy dose
the doctors have warned him to keep his people contact at a minimum.
It's been a tough summer down here in Kentucky, but things are at
least moving in a good direction.
I'll keep updating as news comes in.
Later,
Derrick

Health UPDATE

2006-08-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody,
Not much is new on the Zirkle front.
He's doing Chemo every Saturday without a break,he'll continue that until September where they will stop and evaluate his progress. I don't expect anything new or substantial to happen until then. Ross is currently fighting two small infections, but so far they have not slowed anything down. Ross is still looking fairly well, he's still thin and walking with a cane. His hair is falling out but not very fast, I would have never noticed if he hadn't told me.

Ross wants me to thank everyone for all of the love and support that has been shown to him, and he hopes that one day he will have the chance to thank everyone personally.

I'll be back in touch with the september evaluation, or if anything else comes up before then.
Thanks
Derrick

Ross Update for Friday July 28, 2006

2006-07-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

Ross was sent home today, he looks very weak. He's having a lot of trouble speaking, it hurts when he speaks and sounds really quiet. The doctors say, though, that he is doing very well for all that he's been through. Ross has had a total of four Chemo treatments, but has had his last treatment canceled because of low blood cell counts, but should be restarted soon. Ross has been seeing all of the prints sent in for his benefit, it has really cheered him up. It's been really good for Ross to have something to focus on besides his condition, and the artworks have done just that. Ross came by the gallery today, after he was released, to see the show, he says that it felt like a homecoming. I'll be back in touch soon and I am trying to get a list of he pieces in the show to send out to everyone incase you would like to place a bid also.
Derrick Riley

Update on Ross Friday June 21, 2006

2006-07-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

Ross received his third dose of chemo today,
and is doing well, and feeling good. Doctors still not sure where the cancer started,
but insist that it's narrowed enough that the course of treatment would be the same
regardless.

Please remind everyone about the fundraiser at the Wingspan Gallery Sat and Sun the 29th and 30th from 2-6p.m. Also, the Icehouse fundraiser on Friday Aug. 4th from 7p.m.-12a.m.

Work for Zirk

2006-07-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

We invite you to join us for an evening of live music, art, and
food to benefit Ross in his time of need.

Food provided courtesy of Bourbon and Toulouse, Puccinni's, and Stella's
Kentucky Deli

Live music from BhudC and the Nasty Three (jazz-funk fusion)
and DJ's Stephen Wiggins, Cosmic, and Lil' Cory

Raffle prizes from an eclectic blend of local shops, bars, and restaurants.

$2 Admission - Affordable Art - $1 Raffle Tickets

Spread the word and we hope to see you there!

The Icehouse, 412 Cross Street, Lexington Kentucky 40508
August 4th 2006
7pm-midnight

Auction for Life benefiting UK Art Professor Ross Zirkle

2006-07-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

Auction for Life
benefiting UK Art Professor Ross Zirkle
Silent Auction / Benefit
Saturday, July 29, and Sunday, July 30, 2006, 2 - 6 pm
Admission to gallery is free and open to the public.
Wingspan Gallery,
191 Jefferson Street,
Lexington, KY 40508

Lexington, Ky. - Wingspan Gallery will host a silent Auction for Life, benefiting UK Art Professor Ross Zirkle, Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30, 2006, from 2 - 6 pm. The auction will feature artworks donated by local, national and international artists. Zirkle was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. All proceeds from the auction will be put toward his medical expenses.

"He's one of those people who always thinks of others," said Wingspan Gallery's Livia Theodoli-Wing. "He's one of the nicest people I know, and you want to be able help him."

Zirkle will receive chemotherapy and other standard cancer treatments, in addition to naturopathic therapies. Although Zirkle carries health insurance, he faces significant deductible and out-of-pocket expenses, said Theodoli-Wing.

Zirkle came to Lexington after receiving a Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking from the University of Oregon. He is a Tamarind Master Printer and an active member in various Central Kentucky art organizations. Zirkle is currently an assistant professor in the University of Kentucky's Art Department, where he teaches printmaking and figure drawing. He also regularly hosts an open Life Drawing Studio workshop for UK students and the public.

"I think in a lot of ways, he has touched every artist's life in Lexington, particularly with the Life Drawing Studio over at UK," says Lexington artist Charley Jolly, who considers Zirkle a close friend. "He's really kept it alive over the years. [Drawing] is a building block in art students' professional lives, and Ross is it."

"Before I met him, I kept hearing from other artists about this larger-than-life force over in the UK Art Department," said Jolly." And when I finally met him, I found this quiet, unassuming person, who wants more than anything to help you find your own way."

"Ross is an artist's artist," said Allison Kaiser, Executive Director of the Lexington Art League. "He is fully emerged and engaged, not only in his own creative work, but in enthusiastically teaching anyone who wants to learn." Kaiser noted that Zirkle has been instrumental in helping her organization over the years. He has led exhibit tours, helped the League to find nationally recognized jurors for its shows, and has submitted his own artwork to various exhibits.

"Ross never says 'no,'" she continued. "His help and support have been tremendously important in helping the Lexington Art League to move forward, and to inspire the best from our local artists.

Drop-off days for donated artwork at Wingspan Gallery will be Monday, July 24 through Wednesday, July 26, 2006. Wingspan requests donating artists call ahead to arrange drop-off. Artwork donation pledges have come to organizers from far and wide, said Theodoli-Wing.

”We've already had an artist from Great Britain donate two pieces."
________________________________________________________________
WHO: Auction for Life, benefiting UK Art Professor Ross Zirkle
WHAT: Silent Auction / Benefit
WHEN: Saturday, July 29, and Sunday,

July 30, 2006, 2 - 6 pm
WHERE: Wingspan Gallery, 191 Jefferson Street, Lexington , KY 40508
COST: Admission to gallery is free and open to the public.
________________________________________________________________
_____________________
Artwork to be auctioned
NOTE: Wingspan Gallery can only accept cash or check for artwork
purchased at the auction.
MORE INFO: Derrick Riley, Auction for Life Co-organizer, 859.608.4382,
or drockpress@hotmail.com
Carleton Wing, Wingspan Gallery, 859.225.5675, or cwing@wingspangallery.com
Livia Theodoli-Wing, Wingspan Gallery, 859.225.5675, or
livia@wingspangallery.com
WEB: About Ross Zirkle:
https://www.uky.edu/FineArts/Art/faculty/zirkle/zirkle.html
About Wingspan Gallery:
http://www.wingspangallery.com/
Jonathan R. Goolsby
Marketing, Media and Membership Specialist
Lexington Art League
jgoolsby@lexingtonartleague.org
859.254.7024 Ext 32 Voice
859.254.7214 Fax

2006-07-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

Our dear friend, Ross Zirkle has been diagnosed with cancer. This blog has been created to pass along information about his recovery to his many friends. Please post your notes to Ross here and to find out how you can help him. His visitations at UK Markey Cancer Center have been curtailed so he can recover from surgery of the past week.

Please return often to check on his progress and see where you can help. Thank you for your concern.