Dave

When I started my undergraduate classes at ASU as a metals major, the metals professor there was Dave Pimentel. Dave started the metals program at ASU sometime in the 70's and was the department head until he passed away in 2004. When he was there the TA office was full of his work. I took these pictures after he passed away but before his things were taken from the studio. I remember walking into the office all the time and just being so awe struck by all of his amazing bowls. These were all raised, meaning they were worked from a single flat disc of copper, slowly hammered into a 3 dimensional form. He was amazing. There were stacks of them, and this was only a portion of his work. He also made really beautiful jewelry which I dont have pictures of, and really large wall sculptures as well. I think about Dave a lot. When I had my first class with him I was terrified of him, I never made eye contact and I tried very hard not to talk to him. Then one day he walked into the studio and threw a bottle of frizz ease shampoo at me and said, "Here, I thought you may need this." He was totally teasing me (I have really curly hair) and after that I was't scared of him anymore. I like people that give me a hard time:) He talked me into going to the Yuma Symposium and I've gone every year since (this year will be my 6th yuma!) He was a big factor in my decision to go to grad school. I remember he sat us down one day in class and gave us a big long lecture about the importance of getting your MFA. I also remember him saying that you aren't a true metalsmith until you've made a teapot. Thats on my list of things to do. He also talked a lot about "that little touch of gold." He told us that if we added just even the smallest amount of gold that it made the work so much more precious and would totally change the feel of a piece. He taught me a lot in the short time that I had him as a professor and I will always remember what he taught me. I hope someday to acquire even half of his knowledge. I wish I had better images of his bowls for you, but I just had to share these photos. The lamps are my favorite, but I have a lot of other favorites in here too:) I am very glad that I had the opportunity to be taught by such a great metalsmith.