Teaching
David Shankland Teaching
Over fifty years ago, at the young age of fifteen, David found his inner sculpting spirit through that of a shark swimming in the ocean waters. The shark was over five feet long with shiny scales, identifying fins ferocious saw-toothed teeth. This piece launched him into a career as a sculptor, artist, teacher, and humanitarian activist.
David’s portfolio represents all of nature. A leaf tossed in the wind, an eagle ready to soar, an orator willing to speak, and the nuance of an abstract shape that allows the observer’s mind to wander and explore. Bundling themes for his Totem Pole work reflect his extreme ingenuity, dexterity, and professional focus. His creativity has recently been found in an eight-piece larger-than-life sculpture installation called “The Journey”.
Any person who has made a difficult decision to walk away from a hardship: an immigrant, a refugee, someone who has left behind cycles of addiction and violence, and abused and overworked front line worker, an adult child floundering/fleeing from a dysfunctional family, or from any number of realities – will immediately empathize with each of the emotional states represented by these figures. Using old growth cedar utility poles donated by a Cleveland, Ohio utility company, David has fashioned elements of this installation to reflect emotional intensity. The piece depicts changes, the evolution of a person who has successfully emerged, grown, and triumphed from a painful and destructive past.
Here is Mr. Shankland’s teacher, mentor and friend for 46 years,
Ebb Haycock, at age 88,
is shown with his sculpture made from fiberglass, entitled “Dancers”. It is on display in the lobby of an
Assisted Living Center in Delaware, Ohio. Installed in 2015.
Mr. Haycock passed in 2018.
Mr. Shankland says, “Ebb taught me to love sculpture, he believed in me and helped me appreciate the gift I have and to push it as far as I can.”
Functional Literacy Ministry
Port-au-Prince,Haiti
2016-2017
Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
February, 2015
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
February, 2015
Summer Arts Camps
Students K-8
Completing the first of two (2) large Papier-mâché turtles.
2015