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BORN
1927
DIED
2015
Ivan Majdrakoff Obituary
Renowned artist, inspiration and mentor to countless art students and friends, died peacefully at his home on July 17, at age 88. Ivan lived and worked as an artist in the Bay Area for almost five decades. He was a Professor of Drawing and Painting at the San Francisco Art Institute for 40 years. As Larry Thomas, the former Dean of SF Art Institute, said, "His commitment to the arts education has been an inspiration and a beacon for me as well as many others." Art was his passion. Working alongside his eclectic collection of found treasures in his Oakland studio, Ivan produced a prolific number of assemblages, paintings, drawings and notebooks. He was active in his studio until a few weeks before his death. Ivan will be be remembered for his vibrant personality and his love of art and life. Ivan played competitive table tennis, loved fishing and music, read a wide variety of genres, traveled extensively, and prepared culinary delights with Ruth his wife of 50 years. Born and raised in New York City, son of M.I. Boris photographic portrait specialist, he graduated from Cranbrook Academy of Art, Michigan. Over the years, he taught at several institutions including the University of Minnesota, Stanford University, San Jose State University, University of Utah, San Francisco State University, University of California Extension, Berkeley and JFK University. His art works have been presented in one-man exhibitions and group shows throughout the country. In addition, his work is held in the collections of the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Art Institute, di Rosa Preserve, the Cranbrook Museum and in private collections in over a dozen states, Europe and Asia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the non-profit organization Hospice of the East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Ave. Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, or online.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ivan Majdrakoff
Chris Edwards
October 5, 2020
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 out my studio I found I had a few slides of his assemblage work. I would like to send the slides to you if you could contact me. Ivan was a very interesting and kind person. I will never forget him, or working with him. His work was one of the best choices I made as the curator and an eye catcher while on exhibit at 3Com Corporation in Santa Clara. with love, Chris Edwards
Andy Stricker
August 14, 2016
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
Tina Reiter(nee Bloomstein)
July 15, 2016
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 studio, talking about his work, feeling intense joy talking about his pieces with him. And, staying with you in your house, which, to me, is the most beautiful in the world, and which I am always trying to emulate. My dad loved him very much, as you know. He was just incredibly special. I hope to see you soon. Love, Tina
Marion Rex
July 2, 2016
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. We also worked in theatre together. We did a production of Ibsen's "Ghosts" at one of the Equity Library Theatres in upper Manhattan. I played "Mrs. Alving" and Ivan my dying son. We also were very much involved with square dancing and folk dancing and occasionally used Kathrine Dunham's studio in the evenings to dance and sing folk songs with a group from high school.
We went to different colleges (and I changed my major from art to theatre at Carnegie Tech.) and experienced our first marriages. Ivan married a fellow M&Aer, Julie Pearl, and I a drama major from Lexington, Ky., Tom Neet, with whom I had a daughter, Alison Stair Neet, who went on to tour with "The Acting Company." Ivan and I divorced our first spouses and enjoyed happy second marriages. A number of years ago, my current husband of 43 years, Don Rex, and I drove out to California and had a lovely meal and visit with Ivan and Ruth. I was amazed at his collection of items to use in his assemblages. I never realized that form of art existed. I mainly enjoyed Ivan's books illustrated with little margin drawings.
I also knew one of Ivan's best friends, Fred Duhl, who went to a different high school. I see there is a note here from Fred's daughter, I believe.
I feel it is quite wonderful to have had a loving relationship with someone that remains an important part of one's life and growing up years. Ivan was always kind, had a good sense of humor, enjoyed life and I'm sure was an outstanding teacher. I was checking on artists I have known and saw Ivan's obit. I am sorry to learn of his passing and offer my deepest sympathy to his wife, Ruth. I am sure wonderful, joyful memories and good friends are with her. Marion Roese (formerly Marion Neet) Rex
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San Francisco Art Institute
Cherryl Pape
October 27, 2015
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 eclectic studio and was supportive with my children's book illustration. Always a joy, with the soul of an artist. He is not gone, he is eternal, and that is why I remembered him tonight. He is looking at my drawings now and quite possibly is in touch when I draw, looking over my shoulder, with another teacher I loved.
Cherryl Pape
Palo Alto, CA
Dina McLelland (née Duhl)
August 13, 2015
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 my life, and the way I viewed art and how I saw things. He had always been a part of my life over the years, even if we hadn't talked in a while. I will always remember that twinkle in his eye, his smile, and how he opened up my imagination. I'm glad he was a part of my father's life for so many years, and mine for most of my life. He will be truly missed. All my love to you.
Cal Navin
August 7, 2015
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.
Tzvetanka Dystabanova
August 6, 2015
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
Jo Alice Canterbury
August 3, 2015
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
August 3, 2015
Yes, it is a least 50 years that I knew Ivan, and more Ruthie. i appreciate the card as i did not see the NY Times obituary. We have had so many beautiful times together. i treasure the painting i commissioned and especially the drawing of the italian gate. Visiting you last spring was fortuitous. He had slowed some, but I certainly did not think his time was running out. Beloved Ruthie,
I am one of your friends who DOES know how his loss means to you. Always, devra
Barbara Penn
August 1, 2015
Ivan was one of my beloved professors at the Art Institute who made a huge difference in my life; he and Ruth brought me into their lives personally when I was a student and working several jobs. Having me to their house personally was uplifting, supportive and kind. He was inspiration in his discussions with my growing work and some years back he and Ruth visited me in Tucson. That is when I learned he was expert in ping pong, which I played often with my Dad when I was growing up. I lost my Dad in late May and July, Ivan. Both inspirations for my work life. I still have two special cacti Ivan and Ruth brought me from the botanical gardens here in Tucson that bloom the most amazing flowers yearly. I always think of them when the flowers appear. I send my love and great fondness for the help and support I received in my early days of becoming an artist. I will always admire him and respect the great love they had for each other. All the best in love and Art, Barbara
Carol and Jim Guida
July 30, 2015
We will miss Ivan. He was always such a lively guest at our Evergreen Holiday parties. Our thoughts go out to Ruth.
Doris Dorn
July 27, 2015
sorry to hear of Ivan's passing. My mother-in-law, Virginia Dorn loved going over and having dinner and all the support the Majdrakoff's gave her.
LEONARD HERNANDEZ
July 27, 2015
I HAVE KNOWN IVAN FOR MANY YEARS, HE WAS A GOOD MAN, I LEARNED A LOT FROM HIM, WE HAD MANY GREAT CONVERSATIONS, WE WOULD TALK ABOUT ALL TYPES OF SUBJECTS, AND HE ALWAYS WANTED ME TO VISIT THE STUDIO, IM SO UPSET WITH MYSELF FOR NOT VISITING IT, IVAN THANK YOU FOR SUCH A TERRIFIC FRIENDSHIP, AND TIL WE MEET AGAIN, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU NOW AND ALWAYS, TAKE CARE, YOUR FRIEND AND BARBER, LEONARD
Lisa Louis
July 27, 2015
I am grateful for decades of dinner conversations with Ivan about art, films, and everything under the sun. Ivan was one of our most treasured friends who we already miss terribly.
July 22, 2015
May the God of all comfort give you the strength and ability to stand strong to endure the loss of your loved one. May special memories of Ivan bring you joy forever. (Psalm 83:18)
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