This short film was done by a Film Student at University of South Florida, Nick Paul. It was his graduate thesis shortly after Frank Rampolla’s death in 1971. The narration in this film is taken from the writing of William McCracken, humanities teacher at USF.
This is a short clip from our interview with Robert Sindelir about his friendship with Frank Rampolla. We are blessed with friendships like these and for the memories and stories shared.
The audio quality is not the best but the stories are treasures. Here Robert Sindelir mentions why Frank painted what he did. The asnwer might surprise you.
Frank Rampolla’s “Go-Go Girl” painting was taken down the night before the exhibit when one of the board of directors demanded that it be taken out of the show.
The High Museum of Art Director, protested and later resigned over this.
Read the the full article here.
I had drawing and painting under Mr Rampolla. My first assignment was to draw an apple. Being from a small southern town, never having an art class, I was so terrified that I begged a 2nd year student to draw it for me. She finally gave in, and I am sure he knew I did not draw that apple, but he didn’t give up on me. He gave me courage to try.
2.) What do you remember about Frank Rampolla? What sticks out in your memory about him?
His dedication to his painting. I was in riverside dorm, and he would walk down the hall every night on his way to his studio and then back to his apartment late that night. He always looked at the floor all the way down the hall because we were all in some form of undressed. If we walked out into the hall, he would look away immediately.
Mrs. Rampolla was also wonderful. She was like a mother to us. I needed that kind of caring being so far away from home for the 1st time.
First, he taught me dedication to my art by example. Having him for painting and drawing, I learned all the fundamentals of drawing and painting that gave me the power to go forward with confidence. He once told me my work reminded him of Pierre Bonnard, I had to go to library to see his work. I was thrilled beyond belief that he saw him in my work. His gentle soul was so different from the power and dark side of his work.
