Ivan Majdrakoff

Dear Ruth, I met Ivan back in the mid 1980's at his studio in San Francisco. I was visiting his studio to select work for a Corporate Art exhibit for the San Jose Institute of Art. Ivan was so charming and full of passion about art it was a pleasure to work with him. While I was there I fell in love with an ink drawing which he allowed me to buy. Before I left he gave me a small wooden decorated box he made and I have cherished both all these years. I am an Artist as well and cleaning...

Dear Ruth

I have been thinking of Ivan and you a lot recently. So much time has gone by since we left the Bay Area, I am not even sure you remember me. I have many fond memories of Ivan as my mentor at SFAI and the times we met...especially the amazing meal you prepared for my wife Sue and I.

I am sorry to hear of Ivan's passing. Please accept my very belated condolences.

Sincerely,
Andy

Dearest Ruth, I have found myself thinking of you lately, and sensed that the one year anniversary of Ivan's passing was around now, so I looked up his obit. It is in two days. His passing still makes me terribly sad. I have known him since I was 6 years old....my first memory of him was sitting on his lap at Wegg's camp when he was a counselor, and my dad the head counselor (you remember him talking about my mother cooking bacon at the kosher camp?!) And, my last memory, going to his...

Ivan and I were boyfriend/girlfriend when we attended the High School of Music and Art at 135th and Convent Avenue in New York City. We were both art majors. His father, Boris, had a photography studio on Fifth Avenue. I remember when Ivan (we used to call him Eevahn-- I guess the more authentic pronunciation) had the mumps and I could visit because I had had them as a child. I loved visiting when the family went to the seaside in the summers and could walk on the beach and in the ocean. ...

October 26, 2015

Tonight Ivan came strongly into my mind because I wanted to share a graphite drawing I'd done that just won a Best in Show. I wanted to thank him for being a great teacher of drawing and painting when I was a student at the San Francisco Art Institute, fifty years ago.

At that time the Director did not want technique taught to the students thinking it would block their creativity. Ivan taught me technique 'under the table.'

He invited me to his...

Dear Ruth,

I just learned today that Ivan had passed away. I'm truly saddened to hear this. Ivan and my father Fred Duhl were the best of friends for so many years since growing up together in New York. I remember the time I came out to San Francisco when I was 16. Ivan had invited me to come to his class at the Art Institute, and I went. He helped me to draw better, to see things in a different way. That day he also drew a wonderful picture for me. It was a day that changed...

Dearest Ruth,
My deepest condolences to you. Ivan had been so kind to me, and was the one who inspired me to make art again. I will always treasure the letters I received from him, and the two pieces of art that changed my world. He encouraged me, critiqued my work and gave freely of his knowledge. I will always have a special place in my heart for him. My God bless you at this most difficult time.

Dear Ruth,

We've just received the news about Vancheto's passing. We are sending to you our deepest condolences! We'll always remember him and hold him in our hearts. We are with you in your grief. God bless his soul!

Tzvetanka, Elena, Danny - Bulgaria

Ruth,

So sorry to hear of Ivan's passing. He was such a treasure and lover of life. He always seemed to enjoy himself. The two of you were an inspiration to us all. Your lives together were wonderful to observe.

Sincerely,

Jo Alice