Oscar Bravo throws, glazes, and carves ceramic pots.

I first met Oscar Bravo in a Ceramics class in Bakersfield, California.

Oscar’s skills are exacting and meticulous while each piece has an individual design

with life and beauty of its own.

While he is a quiet guy, he always has a great smile.

I am sure you will enjoy his work as much as I do.

Here is Oscar’s statement:

Originally from Mexico, I migrated to the United States in 2000.

I’ve always been interested in art. As a young child I was encouraged by my parents to join a painting class in which I experimented with pastels, watercolor, and oil paints.

By age twelve I knew I wanted to continue on this path.

At age thirteen, my parents made the move to the U.S.

This change of life was difficult for me. I missed my friends, my family and my ART.

When I graduated High School in 2004, I began going to college where I signed up for a ceramics class.

A friend of mine who was attending college at the time suggested taking an art class together, the only class with available seats was Ceramics.

I had no idea they offered a ceramics class in college, nor did I ever think about taking any kind of art class.

From the very first day, I was anxious to get on the wheel and throw; instead our professor had us doing some hand building, to get used to the feel of the clay.

After about two weeks we finally got a chance to sit at our wheel and throw, my love of ceramics began that very day.

I find inspiration in the clay itself, whether from its rich colors, the contrast of different clay bodies or their textures.

It is amazing being able to take a lump of mud, and work it with my hands, and shape it into an eye-pleasing form, whether it is a bottle, vase, bowl, plate or other item.

I love experimenting with the different clays and textures.

I enjoy taking a completed piece and then adding character to it by carving designs into it.

I have found great satisfaction in using two different colors of clay to create my designs.