Robert M. Kulicke

11/25/08 Because some of Bob's beautiful drawings and etchings are currently on view at Davis & Langdale, I thought this might be an appropriate time to write a few words about him. Our great friend was what Steve Martin used to call "a UNIQUE kind of guy" not "a wild and crazy guy", but a UNIQUE kind of guy. His countless talents, manifold interests and accomplishments, his contributions as teacher and mentor are well known. But there is even more to his story that some few may not know....

I have felt hopelessly tongue-tied since the day I first came upon this Guest Book. Remember "To Sir with Love" ??? How can I put into a handful of words the love and gratitude that I feel for Bob? Impossible. But I do want to say how moved I have been by the sentiments recorded here. I do hoard a trove of memories, from the sublime to the ridiculous: communing with Bob over the exquisite beauty of the 17th c goldfinch painting by Carel Fabritius....throwing Cheez Doodles to the seagulls...

this is my second entry. i have spent a lot of time these past few weeks keeping bob alive and spreading his immortality by talking to my friends about him - telling his favorite jokes, talking about his teaching, his insights, his big appetite for more than food, for all that he found worthwhile.

i am back in school studying counseling and i have realized that bob helped me find this path. he was profoundly insightful. he loved people and embraced their influences and love. his ego...

I was so lucky to have Bob as a teacher, almost 20 years ago. He gave me a great gift: he lead me to believe that it was not only possible to expect to spend your life making beautiful objects, but it was perfectly reasonable to have that expectation. His incredible enthusiasm infected me and changed the course of my life. The school he created taught me the craft I love and practice every day. He shared his knowledge and passion so generously, and I am forever indebted to him for that....

Bob said to me when I was a child that anyone who had a dollar more than he needed, was a rich man. He was true to those words, always so generous. He gave me a pear painting for inspiration and I've had it with me ever since, reminding me that hard work and dedication will pay off, encouraging me not to give up on my pursuits. He took me fishing and made me his famous burgers and sushi with fish he’d caught that day. He sat with me on Christmas Eve when I was too excited to sleep and gave...

What seemed most admirable about the work of Robert Kulicke was its clarity and humility, both in very short supply in today's art world.

Bob's

enthusiasm and encouragement were the greatest influence in my life, which

I shared with him for 16 years. There are still people at the school who

remember him when he was re-discovering ancient jewelry techniques, and that

exciting time will never be equalled. I was at the Met yesterday to see

the Greek and Roman Galleries, and I wished that Bob could have seen it,

he would have loved it - he always drew a group when we went to...

Bob Kulicke was one of the most generous men I have had the pleasure to know. He shared his knowledge, his passion, his laughter. His paintings will continue to give me pleasure and never let me forget how fortunate I was to have known him. Max and I will miss him.

I am here at the shore, receiving Bob's spirit as he wanders among snapper blues, picks blueclaw crabs and makes little piles, encouraging me to try it --"Taste this, it's the best I've ever had!"
I remember him picking my snapdragons, then painting them. Painting a peach or a tomato, then eating them.
A lusty, lovely, lively man. I met him when he and Barbara built a house down the street -- then he met Jean and they started the jewelry school.
And then Bessie, and Bessie and Bob...