Mary Duke Guldan

Mary Duke Guldan Howdy friends, family and former students,
Mary Duke Guldan and Pat Randolph are icons to those who’ve have gone through St Mary’s school over the last 50(!) or so years . In those instances where I have encountered former pupils it is apparent they remember those formative days very fondly so I would like to add more mass to the indelibly etched memories they now have. A regular observation is the profound impact Mary Duke’s artistic abilities and commentary had on them. So, here, I'll attempt to provide a snap shot of the prodigious talents of Mary Duke, without a doubt the artist in our family with the most expansive skill base in a wide range of media. As is the case with the very gifted – and on top of that, ones of intellect – is they are driven to seek new challenges. Thus, it is not uncommon for them to go through phases wherein acquaintances made during those time periods just assume that particular proficiency(s) defines their skill base. Through her time at St Mary’s and life in Jackson, most are accustomed to her talents with wood carving and animal husbandry among other things. She has also acquired a knowledge of machines from cars to airplanes and built exquisite models thereof, made jewelry, etc.. But, my personal favorite from the many arenas she has mastered was her early work in pewter casting using the lost wax method. This skill mastered in her early 20's and most of these works done prior to 1971 with none created thereafter. Page 2 onward features a sampling of those. Also, through her work with the National Wood Carver's Association and their periodical Chip Chats magazine, the publisher soon had her writing how-to books of which she did five at which point, to their great dismay, it was time for her to move on to new endeavors. I’ve provided information on acquiring copies of these books. Even if not a woodworker, one can appreciate them for the effortless stream of consciousness that comprises her general presentation for which I’ve had the pleasure to peruse 5 page letters (no email there) in perfect penmanship without one letter or word crossed out and an English professor’s benchmark for coherent introduction, body and conclusion…even if a bit protracted.