Living with Clay

Living with Clay: California Ceramics Collections” pays homage to distinguished collectors of ceramic art in California and salutes their tastes, ideas, and eccentricities. Together they have amassed impressive collections of works by many of the most respected artists in the field.

This book is published on the occasion of an exhibition by the same name at the Nicholas & Lee Begovich Gallery at California State University, Fullerton. “Living with Clay: California Ceramics Collections” honors each collector's story and the deep connection between the clay medium and their way of life. The collectors represent a distinct group whose profound love of ceramic and art boldly marks the history of the medium. This book offers small glimpses in to the private lives and motivations of these collectors. Enter the homes and lives of Julie and David Armstrong, Judy and Richard Jacobs, Gloria and Sonny Kamm, MAW Collection of Pre-Columbian Art, Richard Oelschlaeger, Diane and Igal Silber, and share in their cherished clay collections.

Rody N. Lopez is an independent curator and has earned his MFA from CSU Fullerton in Exhibition Design. He is a recipient of multiple Getty Foundation fellowships, and NextGen Arts Grants. He participated in the LA County Arts Commission/Getty Foundation's Leadership in Arts Management Program, and the Getty Marrow Undergraduate Internship Program. Lopez served as Associate Director of Exhibitions at the Long Beach Museum of Art, and Associate Curator at the American Museum of Ceramic Art. He currently holds a position in Development/External Affairs at QueensCare & QueensCare Health Centers.