Crispin Gonzalez

Crispin Gonzalez working at his Claremont studio

Crispin Gonzalez (April 13, 1936 – January 21, 2017) was an American ceramicist known for his contributions to the Chicano art movement and his innovative approach to ceramic art. His works often incorporate traditional Indigenous, Mexican, and Asian motifs, combined with contemporary themes and experimental glazing techniques. Gonzalez's career spanned over 33 years as a professor of ceramics at Chaffey College and other institutions, where he mentored a generation of artists, many of whom have continued his legacy in ceramics.

Early life and education

Gonzalez was born in Claremont, California, and grew up in the Pomona-Inland Valley area of Southern California. He attended Claremont High School and later pursued higher education in art and ceramics at Mt. San Antonio College and California State University, Fullerton, where he studied under Jerry Rothman. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree from Claremont Graduate University, where he studied with notable ceramicists such as Henry Takemoto, Paul Soldner, and Peter Voulkos.

Career and teaching

Gonzalez began his teaching career as an adjunct professor at California State University, Los Angeles, the University of Southern California, and Pitzer College between 1968 and 1971. In 1971, he secured a full-time position at Chaffey College, where he taught for 33 years until his retirement in 2004. At Chaffey, Gonzalez developed specialized courses in kiln-building and glaze techniques, influencing many students to pursue higher degrees in ceramics and establish their own studios. His teaching style and technical expertise left a lasting impact on his students and the ceramics community at large.

Artistic style and themes

Gonzalez's work is characterized by its technical complexity and thematic depth. He often combined traditional Native American, Aztec, and Mayan patterns with contemporary forms and techniques. His “Ocean Boogie” series, inspired by marine life, and his “Drive By” series, which memorializes victims of shootings in Los Angeles, exemplify his ability to fuse personal narrative with broader social themes. He also revived traditional ceramic forms, drawing decorative motifs from ancient Greece and historical glazes from Korea and Japan.

Exhibitions and collections

Gonzalez's work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including the 24th Ceramic National Exhibition at the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, where he received a Purchase Award. His work was also exhibited at the International Pottery Design Competition in Nagoya, Japan, and the Scripps Annual Invitational. His pieces are part of several permanent collections, such as the Marer Collection of Contemporary Ceramics at Scripps College, the Sam Maloof collection, and the American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA).

Legacy

In addition to his artistic contributions, Gonzalez served as a mentor and advisor within the ceramics community, participating in AMOCA’s acquisition board. His influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary ceramicists who cite his teaching and guidance as pivotal in their careers. One of them, Mary Beirele, a former student and now ceramics teacher, describes Crispin Gonzalez’s impact as extending beyond Chaffey College, guiding many art students toward professional careers. She notes his unique teaching approach, which encouraged students to discover their own artistic expression, and his willingness to devote additional time to help with complex ceramic techniques. Beirele also mentions his generosity, as he often contributed both his work and time to benefit the community. She credits Gonzalez with inspiring important changes in her life and expresses appreciation for his influence. Crispin Gonzalez died on January 21, 2017, at the age of 80. He was celebrated for his contributions to ceramics and his role as a mentor at Chaffey College for over three decades. A memorial service was held on March 18, 2017, in Claremont, California.

Personal life

In addition to his work in ceramics, he was involved in woodworking, kite building, and music.

Selected works

• Ocean Boogie (1980s)

• Drive By (1990s)

External links

• Oficial Crispin Gonzalez site
• 24th Ceramic National Exhibition Catalogs 1966, pp 17, 34
• LOCUS I: Art and Craft of Claremont
• MA Mutual Art American Museum of Ceramic Art REVEAL: Recent Aquisitions
• CHAIRISH/Ceramic Vessel Sculpture
• CLAREMOUNT-LEWIS Museum of Art/ Art Under the Olive tree of Padua Hills
• Venice Clay Artist/ AMOCA 10 years Anniversary AMOCA
• American Museum of Ceramic Art/ From a Gift to a Collection
• PBS SoCal/ View from the Art World: Processing Vietnam Through Art
• THE EPOCH TIMES/ California Potter Talks Art of Survival, Survival Through Art