Gorky, born Gorky González Quiñones on September 27, 1939 in Morelia, Michoacan, died January 15, 2017, was a distinguished ceramist active in Guanajuato, Mexico since about the early 1970s until his passing. The son of sculptor Rodolfo González, Gorky was raised in the art environment and workshop of his father, and as a young man spent two years studying on an art scholarship in Japan. After his return to Mexico he eventually set up his ceramic studio in Guanajuato. During his long career, he received many awards and honors, including the prestigious National Prize in Science and Arts (Premio Nacional de Ciencias y Artes) for his efforts in reviving the art and popularity of Mexican majolica, which at the time – and until around 1990 or so – was dying off in Mexico. He employed traditional materials and techniques. His colors and designs are playful and joyful, often featuring animal motifs like roosters, deer, and turtles, plus innovative shapes. He used mineral-based pigments such as copper oxide for green, antimony for yellow and cobalt oxide, all prepared locally. He enjoyed international success, with exhibits in Europe, a fan base in the U.S., as well as in his home country. Since 2018 his son, Gorky González Ono, has kept the traditions alive. He’s been keeping the kiln fires burning – as well as the bright embers of his father’s legacy – running the family workshop operations in Guanajuato. Thanks to Gorky Jr. – my name for him, not his – there will continue to be many more new and wonderful Gorky creations available!
May 2021
Sources:
- Gorkygonzalez.com
- Wikipedia
- Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art, From the Collection of Fomento Cultural Banamex. Pp. 62 – 65, The Rescue of Majolica Pottery. Mexico City: 1998, Fomento Cultural Banamex, A.C., (reprint 2001). Cándida Fernández de Calderón, et al., Editors
- Folk Treasures of Mexico, The Nelson A. Rockefeller Collection. P. 81. Marion Oettinger, Jr. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1990
- Personal observations and opinions formed based on my collecting experience
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