The great thing about life is the chance to know and love unique, inspiring, and truly noble individuals who make a difference in the lives they touch. Albert ("Al") Stafne is just such an individual. Al quietly painted for years as part of his intellectual expression - a fact not widely known by many who know him. His paintings are colorful and abstract, with consistent themes of nobility and honor. The Bettendorf Public Library has a collection of Al's works on display thru July 31, and it is worth visiting. His work is especially powerful when considering the artist.
Al began his professional journey as Bettendorf's city attorney, serving for 30 years. He continued in private practice, retiring almost 15 years ago after a distinguished career in Bettendorf, where he and his wife Jackie raised their two sons, Scott and Todd. Al has been a fixture of dignity, eloquence, and no small measure of humor and good will for all who have had the pleasure of knowing him.
Al chose law for his life's profession because he is keenly interested in the subject of self-governance, and man's evolution on planet Earth. He is particularly enthralled with the medieval era, and Nordic Vikings, which represented to him a more rudimentary version of civilization. He also finds the Roman Empire fascinating, and has been an avid student of its history and culture, evidenced in his interpretative artwork. The exhibit includes paintings Al did from the 1960s through 1980s. Themes span nobility, history, and statesmanship.
Al's paintings range from figurative to abstract, with a focus on the human figure throughout various periods and cultures such as the medieval era, Norse mythology, and the Renaissance. His abstract works are especially complex and weave colors and shapes around visages and profiles of warriors and women invariably. Landscape plays a role in his abstract works, with one piece tucking a Japanese-styled rising wave of water and a series of Viking oars into a background fronted by clashing figures in the foreground. Overall his works show a command of color and composition with a unique mix of regal character and surreal visions.
Al still smokes a corncob pipe (when his children aren't looking), thinks that blue jeans are the great leveler of society, and believes that the human condition is but one journey to embrace and endure until the next. Al's artist statement expresses it best: "Al's artwork is representative of his nobility (a nobility bestowed by God, not title), the grace behind the warriors who fought for just causes, and his love of history. Al favors the Viking warriors because he has strived to be a modern day Viking - valiant, honest, and just.
We hope the community enjoys being able to witness this part of one of Bettendorf's founding fathers.
Al began his professional journey as Bettendorf's city attorney, serving for 30 years. He continued in private practice, retiring almost 15 years ago after a distinguished career in Bettendorf, where he and his wife Jackie raised their two sons, Scott and Todd. Al has been a fixture of dignity, eloquence, and no small measure of humor and good will for all who have had the pleasure of knowing him.
Al chose law for his life's profession because he is keenly interested in the subject of self-governance, and man's evolution on planet Earth. He is particularly enthralled with the medieval era, and Nordic Vikings, which represented to him a more rudimentary version of civilization. He also finds the Roman Empire fascinating, and has been an avid student of its history and culture, evidenced in his interpretative artwork. The exhibit includes paintings Al did from the 1960s through 1980s. Themes span nobility, history, and statesmanship.
Al's paintings range from figurative to abstract, with a focus on the human figure throughout various periods and cultures such as the medieval era, Norse mythology, and the Renaissance. His abstract works are especially complex and weave colors and shapes around visages and profiles of warriors and women invariably. Landscape plays a role in his abstract works, with one piece tucking a Japanese-styled rising wave of water and a series of Viking oars into a background fronted by clashing figures in the foreground. Overall his works show a command of color and composition with a unique mix of regal character and surreal visions.
Al still smokes a corncob pipe (when his children aren't looking), thinks that blue jeans are the great leveler of society, and believes that the human condition is but one journey to embrace and endure until the next. Al's artist statement expresses it best: "Al's artwork is representative of his nobility (a nobility bestowed by God, not title), the grace behind the warriors who fought for just causes, and his love of history. Al favors the Viking warriors because he has strived to be a modern day Viking - valiant, honest, and just.
We hope the community enjoys being able to witness this part of one of Bettendorf's founding fathers.
