About the Artist

 

For over five decades, my artistic journey has been shaped by passion, perseverance, and the unwavering support of my family. While I often use "I" to tell this story, the truth is, this path has never been mine alone. My late wife, Cathy, and our children, Jennifer, Michelle, and Dylan, have been my foundation—through every challenge, triumph, and creative breakthrough. Their encouragement has been nothing short of miraculous.

 

My love for art began with ceramics and evolved into a lifelong exploration of form, texture, and color. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Art with a concentration in Ceramics from San Jose State University (1968) after studying at Culver-Stockton College and the College of San Mateo. It was at the College of San Mateo in 1964 that I met my first ceramics professor and lifelong mentor, Vince Rascon. His friendship and guidance shaped both my craft and artistic philosophy, leaving an influence that remains evident in my work today.

While my professional career spanned 56 years in technical ceramics and polymeric hermetic feedthrough systems—working with Western Gold & Platinum, Kyocera International, and Douglas Engineering—I never stepped away from my art. Throughout those decades, I maintained L Wilson Studios in Half Moon Bay, continually exploring ceramics and painting. In March 2022, I officially retired from industry, devoting myself fully to my artistic pursuits.

 

Honors, Awards & Achievements

Education

• San Jose State University – BA in Art, Concentration in Ceramics (1968)

• College of San Mateo – Independent Study (1969-70)

• Portola Institute, Acme Art Academy – Alternative Art Education (1971)

Awards & Recognition

• 1970: Purchase Award – CSM Open Ceramics Competition (Judge: Peter Voulkos)

• 1971: Purchase Award – CSM Open Ceramics Competition (Judge: Paul Soldner)

• 1972: Purchase Award – CSM Open Ceramics Competition (Judge: Anthony Prieto)

• 1973: Honorable Mention – CSM Open Ceramics Competition (Judge: David Kuroka)

• 1982: Zoe Tierny Memorial Award (Painting)

• 1982: Best in Show – Coastal Arts (Painting)

• 1982: Grumbacher Art Award (Graphics)

• 1994: Honorable Mention – San Mateo County Fair Art Show (Painting)

Selected Exhibitions & Galleries Solo Exhibitions

• 1968: San Jose State College – Ceramics

• 1969: Bank of America, San Mateo – Paintings

• 1970: Hewlett Packard, Palo Alto – Paintings

• 1970: College of San Mateo – Ceramics

• 1971: Woodlake Center, San Mateo – Paintings/Ceramics

• 1973: University of Sonora, Mexico – Ceramics

• 1976: Farman's Hotel, Lake Zurich, IL – Paintings

Group Exhibitions & Galleries

• 1972: Art Rise Gallery, San Bruno – Ceramics/Paintings

• 1979: Clay Rites Gallery, Half Moon Bay – Ceramics

• 1982: McEwen Gallery, Half Moon Bay – Ceramics

• 1994: Dunn Mehler Gallery, Half Moon Bay – Ceramics/Paintings

• 1995-96: Primavera Gallery, Santa Barbara & Ojai – Ceramics/Paintings

• 2004: "Real People Show," Old Courthouse Gallery, Woodstock, IL – Paintings

• 2011-Present: Ellen Joseph Gallery, Half Moon Bay – Paintings

• 2025: Ocean Blue Vault Gallery, Half Moon Bay

Notable Commissions & Artistic Contributions

• 1970: One-man show & televised ceramics workshop – University of Sonora, Mexico

• 1971: Director, Acme Art Academy – Portola Institute (Alternative Art Education)

• 1972: Set work for Neil Young's "Journey Through the Past" (Warner Bros.)

• 1983-86: "Ceramics Art in Action" – Livermore Arts Council Annual Festival

• 1988: Commissioned wall mural, "Men at Work" – Seaton Building, Princeton-by-the-Sea

• 1998: Large landscape sculpture – Eichler Highlands, San Mateo

• 1999: Ceramic tile wall sculpture, "Peacock" – Bing Crosby Estate, Hillsborough, CA

• 2004: Corporate Collection – "Lake Okoboji" (Acrylic on Canvas)

• 2005: Corporate Collection – "The Dance, after Matisse" (Acrylic on Canvas)

• 2006: Private Commission – "Hawk Point Reflection" (New Jersey)

• 2006: Private Commission – "Devil’s Slide" (Half Moon Bay)

• 2023: "The Taking" – Caravaggio Study (72" x 72")

 

Through decades of exploration in ceramics and painting, I continue to challenge the boundaries of my medium, drawing inspiration from nature, personal experiences, and the mentors who shaped my artistic journey.