To see examples of Blake’s work click here

Artist Blake Rankin spent two-weeks working on a sculpture in the area behind the Wildling Art Museum. Free to the public, this demonstration was a wonderful opportunity for repeat visitors to see how stone is shaped from its roughest form into a finished piece of art. Blake also had pieces of his sculpture on display in the Wildling’s garden area. After the demonstration, Blake joined John Cody during the Santa Ynez Valley Artists’ Studio tour, November 17-18.

Artist Bio:Living on the tranquil waters of the Pacific and in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, it’s no wonder that stone sculpture artist Blake Rankin is at home in any situation. Whether he’s surfing, boating, rock climbing, or traveling the world, he incorporates passion and adventure into everything he does. Using his many unique experiences to transform nature into remarkable and thought provoking pieces of art, Blake finds a way to capture the essence of life in the medium of stone.

Finding his calling for the art of stone sculpture in 1999, he was mentored by the esteemed John Cody and continued his training by studying overseas in Queensland, Australia. Taking time to grow as an artist, absorbing a variety of artistic influences, Blake soon gathered a strong balance between classical and modern styles. He then returned home to continue his art with the prestigious Cody Gallery in Los Olivos, CA.

Working primarily with Serpentine, Marble, and Limestone, Blake enjoys experimenting with many different materials, often pairing stone with metals or wood. Blake Rankin is an artist who excels in sculptures of the human form and his creations truly expose the beautiful relationship between life and nature.