Bobbi Stevens

bobbi, the take no prisoners, direct and infinitely resourceful artist has left an indelible mark on all whose paths have touched hers.

she is unforgettable.

i use the present tense, for the being that she is and always will be is very much present, now filled with radiant light for all whose true eyes are open to see and appreciate.

she is free now, she is safe now, she may rest now for there is much ahead for her.

my wish for you, her family, is the peace of mind and heart that you all so richly deserve. she
loved you and stayed as long as she could for you.

J

I was sorry to hear of Bobbi's passing. Her energy, warmth and kindness will be missed.

I worked for Bobbi and Brad for over four years while I was learning my craft as a geriatric social worker. Bobbi was an excellent boss, who respected and asked for respect. I remember one day when Brad was ill and could not make it out of the bathroom. Bobbi held on to him lovingly and with her enormous strength managed to sit him all the way up even though he was twice her size. She kissed him gently and in that moment I saw the forty plus years of history they had shared. My son shares her birthday, and I will rememeber her fondly, not only Sept 3, but every day.
Sincerely, Deena D. Baty MSW

Here is the link to the online version of Bobbi's obituary published 9/28/08 in the Ann Arbor News.

http://obits.mlive.com/AnnArbor/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=118053004

Bobbi and I got to be friends so many years ago starting the Art Association in its' building on Liberty, starting the Gallery Shop there, meeting her as a young , enthusiastic , hard working potter, first selling her work. Through 18 years of being on the board of the Art Fair with her, she was often a calm head in the midst of the storms, carefully listening and deciding and offering her wisdom, not always agreeing but never loosing her cool. And through the years of our potter friends starting the Clay Gallery and those of us who started Washington Street Gallery, She was always so supportive and helpful.
Strong, beautiful, couragous and emmensly talented. So much fun to be with. She will be sorely missed.
My deepest sympathy to you all.

Bobbi was one of the people in my young life who influenced my decision to become a full time fine artist. Not only her work but the aesthetics and quality of her life showed me that the life of an artist was not only desirable but imperative for me.

Long before any of you knew her Bobbi was my aunt. I am the oldest of the cousins on the Swinkowski side. Bobbi was 15 years old when I was born and she was more like a big sister than an aunt. She was a big part of my life before I became an adult. I remember her high school prom, her first serious boyfriend, the weekend I spent in her dorm at U-M. It was to her I turned for trusted advice during the angst of the teen years. The Kimberly Road home was a safe haven as soon as you entered the door. She turned the original 2-family flat home into an piece of enduring art.

It was to Brad that she gave credit for her love of the outdoors and her sense of adventure. It was at Lisa's wedding that I asked Brad the secret of their marriage. The words were simple "Bobbi's in charge, I'm along for the ride and what a great ride it is."

It has been an honor and a privilege for me to share the ride for 59 years until it's end on 9-11-08. In everyone of us who knew her, Bobbi's artistry, flair, style & energy will live on. That is her gift and legacy to us.

Bobbi, with her powerful and happy personality, integrity, exceptional talent as an artist-potter and as a strong leader, was a important presence in the Potters Guild. In my early years at the Guild, she was my mentor, friend and teacher. Bobbi had a positive outlook on life, was generous with her knowledge and physical assistance, and was just plain fun to be with while stacking or firing the kilns, working in the studio or having a quiet chat. She was the quintessential instructor/manager for those important kiln jobs and had lots of unwarranted confidence in me when I was a beginner at these tasks. As a Guild colleague, she was always available for technical help. There was never a platter that I threw on the wheel without wondering if Bobbi would find the curve just right. She remained as a friend throughout the 30 years I knew her – what an influence! My respect for her as an artist grew over the years and it makes for a happy memory to have some of her beautiful pieces.

I first met Bobby when she was my instructor in a Potters Guild class in the late 1980s. She was a great instructor, teaching us about a range of topics from practical, technical skills to broader artistic issues. I was always amazed at the number of beautiful ceramic pieces that she produced and it was always fun to return to the guild to see the new pieces that she was working on. My best to her friends and family.

Kathy Ford

I have known Bobbi since the 1980's, when my late husband and I joined Bobbi, Brad and other friends for a annual weekend up north of cross country skiing. Some folks took the short route, and others took the medium route. Bobbi always took the longest route. She loved life and she loved being active. My husband Gene and I also joined Bobbi, Brad and other friends for what for a few years was an annual jaunt to Drummond Island for a week. I will never forget the image of Bobbi surfboarding on the water. It was a sport she truly loved. The world has lost a bit of its light with her passing. she was truly a unique woman. Bobbi, we love you.