A Web of Influence: Craig Marucci’s Experience with Ray Robinson, Kim Harrison and Carol Finkbeiner Thomas

Ray Robinson

​Ray Robinson was a teacher at H.B. Beal Technical School while Craig Marucci was a student there, however Ray’s primary influence on Craig was years later when they were both teaching at Fanshawe College. Craig taught pottery and favoured realism, while Ray’ primary focus was on mark-making. Ray’s practice involved using two-dimensional surfaces to create a three-dimensional experience and a feeling of space or optical illusion.

After returning from his time spent in England, Craig agreed to begin teaching watercolour painting even though he had never attempted the medium before. Similar to Ray’s mark-making techniques in other mediums, Craig developed a practice of scratching the surface of his watercolours.
 
Craig and Kim Harrison both attended Beal Technical School as students at the same time, during which Kim moved on to study printmaking with Sigird Lochner. Both Kim and Craig encouraged and supported Carol Finkbeiner Thomas when she was beginning to paint and make art once again in her early career.

Craig Marucci

Craig Marucci

Craig Marrucci began by teaching night classes at Fanshawe College and Museum London. He later pursued a formal teaching degree and shared his knowledge with students at H.B. Beal Secondary School where he was the instructor for life drawing, ceramic, and art history.

Ray Robinson

​Ray Robinson is a graduate of Slade School of Fine Art in London, England. His teaching career began at H.B. Beal where he taught sculpture. After, Robinson taught at Fanshawe College and then at Lambton College. Robinson favoured mark-making and using two-dimensional materials to create three-dimensional artworks. 

Ray Robinson's Teaching positions:
Teaching positions:
     Bath Academy.....Bath UK
     Queen's University (summer).....Kingston ON
     London Library (Education Curator).....London ON
     H. B. Beal.....London ON
     Fanshawe College.....London ON
     Lambton College (Head of Art Dept.).....Sarnia ON