Visions In Clay 2024
Randy Crimmel
I began my journey as a ceramicist as a backyard potter taking Adult Education classes in Santa Barbara 1972. Love of the material and process brought forth an intense involvement and growth and in 1977 I enrolled at CSU Chico and completed an art degree and teaching credential. Upon completion and wanting to push forward my skills and development as a studio potter, I joined Northern Star Fireworks Co-op in 1981 and remained until early 1985. Moving to the San Francisco Bay Area with my wife, I joined a ceramics co-op Earthworks in Berkeley. The Bay Area was artistically inspiring and encouraged me to further my growth in ceramic art. I began a Master of fine art program at Arizona State University January of 1988 which I complete in June of 1990. Early 1991 my life moved to Modesto, CA to begin a teaching career and a family. I taught art and ceramics at the high school level in the Modesto area. After retiring I continued for six years to teach as a part time adjunct professor at Modesto Junior College.
During these years I continued my focus of development in the craft as a potter and in the art as a ceramicist. Both have enriched each other in many ways. The main sources of inspiration come from Life Experiences and the dynamic world of nature. With my sculptural vessels, I approach the piece in a very process oriented mind set with allowing a dialogue between what has been done and where I might want to do next. I work primarily in the historic continuum of the ceramic vessel (pottery and vessel oriented sculpture) and do heads and masks in clay. From my time in Chico until now I have been in numerous local, regional and national ceramic and art shows. I continue to do my creative clay work and be involved in the area art scene.
Human Vessel, 2023
Stoneware clay fired to cone 10 reduction atmosphere with various glazes and oxides
Vessel was formed by a combination of throwing, hand building and altered molded squash form
Texture and Paddling were used in the building process
14 x7 x 8 inches
$220