Loring Taoka was born in Vermont and raised in upstate New York and New Hampshire. After graduating from the University of Toledo, he moved to Denton, Texas to attend the University of North Texas. He graduated from UNT with an M.F.A. in Metalsmithing and Jewelry in May, 2011. His current work explores The Other and the experience of simultaneously existing inside and outside of definitions.
2008-2011 M.F.A. Metalsmithing and Jewelry
The University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
2004-2008 B.A. General Studies (Summa Cum Laude)
The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
2011
Online Presence Committee
Society of North American Goldsmiths
Teaching Fellow/Instructor of Record, The University of North Texas,
Introduction to 3D Design, Spring, Denton, TX
2010-2011
Graduation commencement medallion for The Dean of Libraries.
With Chelsea Bell, Deanna Ooley, and James Thurman.
The University of North Texas, Denton, TX
2010
Teaching Fellow/Instructor of Record—Metalsmithing & Jewelry I
Spring, Fall, The University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
2009
Graduation commencement medallion for The Office of the Provost.
With Parker Brown, Deanna Ooley, Brenda Saucedo and Pilar Zornosa.
The University of North Texas, Denton, TX
Student representative for the Associate Dean search committee
The University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
Teaching Assistant for James Thurman, Matt Clark—Design II (3D Foundations)
The University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
2008
Area Assistant/Studio Tech, Metalsmithing and Jewelry department
The University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
Studio Assistant for Tim Geiger, Aureole Press
Toledo, Ohio
2007
Guest Lecturer/Demonstrator, Street Art Series
Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio
Studio Assistant for Danielle Crissman
Toledo, Ohio
2010
SNAG Educational Endowment Scholarship-Honorable Mention
The Society of North American Goldsmiths
NICHE Award student finalist; Metal: non-wearable, sculptural.
The Rosen Group
UNT Scholarship
The University of North Texas, Denton, Texas.
Outstanding Graduate Student-Studio Art
The University of North Texas, Denton, Texas.
2009-2010
Nelda Lee Scholarship
The University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
USC Scholarship
The University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
2009
Penland School of Crafts Work/Study,
Penland, North Carolina
2008-2010
Master of Fine Arts Academic Achievement Scholarship
The University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
2008-2009
Harlan W. Butt Metalsmithing and Jewelry Studies Scholarship
The University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
2007-2008
The University of Toledo Pride Scholarship
The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
Out of State Award Scholarship
The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
2011
(upcoming) Radical Alchemy
Courthouse Gallery, Norfolk, VA, Invitational
Co:Operation Tableware
Fancy Gallery, Seattle, WA
Fluxation: SNAG Juried Student Digital Exhibition
Seattle, WA
Sources/Origins
South Shore Art Center, Cohasset, MA
Third Place
Whiteout – MFA Thesis Exhibition*
Cora Stafford Gallery, Denton, TX
Multiple Personalities
Delmar Loop Gallery, The Craft Alliance, St. Louis, MO, Invitational
2010
Multiples Annual Group Show
Heidi Lowe Gallery, Rehoboth, Delaware
Topograpghy of Metal
Gallery M/Tap Studios, Cleveland, Ohio
Contain: Vessels and the Art of Containment
Luke and Eloy Gallery, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
No Boundaries: SNAG Student Exhibition
The Glassell Junior School, Houston, Texas
Mega System
The Pozen Center, Mass.Art, Boston, Massaschusetts
Materials Hard and Soft
Greater Denton Arts Council, Denton, Texas
Voertman’s Annual Student Show
University of North Texas Art Gallery, Denton, TX
2009
Craftforms 2009
Wayne Art Center, Wayne, Pennsylvania
The Art of Fine Craft 2009
Elder Gallery, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, Nebraska
Present/RePresent: SNAG 2009 Juried Student Digital Exhibition
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Voertman’s Annual Student Show
University of North Texas Art Gallery, Denton, TX
2008
Cresting: SNAG 2008 Juried Student Digital Image Show
Savannah, Georgia
Wearable Expressions
Palos Verdes Art Center, Ranchos Palos Verdes, California
Environments, invitational
Space237, Toledo, Ohio
2007
Bling
http://www.projekt30.com/bling.php
Online exhibition, www.projekt30.com
Stellar Sightings
The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
Objects Discarded, Objects Revered
Space237, Toledo, Ohio
Bibliography and Related Press
2011
(upcoming) Humor in Craft, juried by Brigitte Martin
Gabriel Craig , “Graphic Content,” Metalsmith Magazine,
Vol. 31, No. 3
2010
“Shop Talk: Jewelry and More,” American Craft Magazine,
Vol. 70, no. 2 (April/May, 2010): 16.
2008
Who’s Who among Students in American Colleges and Universities
Print and Online Catalog
Publications
2011
(upcoming) “Modified Saw Frame,” SNAG Technical News