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In High SChool shop, I built a small hydroplane called "The Mini Most" from plans from Science and Mechanics magazine.
In 1965 I stated college at College of San Mateo, CA and went straight to art and photography classes. I stated with the basic classes form and comp, basic design, color theory, lettering and perspective drawing. Drawing was my weakest suit, so I compensated with photography as a way to create my images.
Then I took sculpture 101 where I met Ray Lorenzato.
A whole new world opened up to me... THE THIRD DIMENSION! As it turned out, Ray became mentor for life. He taught me truth in materials. |
Loyd Parker...
Ready to Build! |
| Even plasic Laminate can be used truthfully as shown by Ettore Sottsass with his Memphis furniture. He worked with Abet Laminati to produce laminates that have never been seen before. Tony Damiano talks about Abets philosophy: "Our real purpose is to not have plastic laminate try attemp to be other materials, although we have that, but really to bring an introduction of new colors and new patterns that haven't been seen and can not be found in other material sources." |
In 1967, after two years at the College of San Mateo, I was drafted. Follwing Basic Training, I was offered the schooling of my choice if I took on a 3rd year. Anything is better than the infantry, so I signed up for photography.
I was sent to Reproduction Photography School for the sole purpose of map making. Of the 17 people in that class, 2 went to Vietnam.
I was one of the two deployed for the war.
My duty in Vietnam was actually quite good. I was stationed with an Engineer Battalion, in Nha Trang. We had a secure settlement on the coast. I continued my photography, printing at the special services darkroom and eventually became the Battalion photographer. |
| After the service, I returned to CSM in 1970 continuing to study under Ray Lorenzato for a year. I had decided taht Sculpture is what I wanted to study. After a few months/years, I ended up in Richmond, Virginia and was accepted to the VCU Sculpture program. Through casting bronze, carving marble, and art history classes, I became enthralled with Dan Flavin's work with flourescent lights. I fell in love with process of making light sculptures. I then took a break and got a job with Western Electric's Printed Circuit plant using the big camera skills that I had accumulated in the Army. This lasted for three years. |
While in Richmond and at VCU, I worked for some wood workers in and out of school. At that time, there was a resurgence in art, furniture, and craftsmanship. Why didn't I take a furniture class in one of the most forward-thinking furniture departments in the United States...... who knows.
I returned to the Bay Area to find myself. (how hippie is that?) I wanted a trade that would afford me a living while I pursued my art.
Welding. I enrolled in Laney College in Oakland, California only to find that didn't work. So I enrolled in the the respected Cabinet Making program taught by Don Taylor. After a year of basics, we were able to make anything we wanted. |
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