Rimas VisGirda

1942 Born Kaunas, Lithuania

EDUCATION

1966 BA Physics, California State University, Sacramento, California

1971 BA California State University, Sacramento, California

1973 MFA Ceramics, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington

1973 MA California State University, Sacramento, California

APPRENTICESHIPS & RESIDENCIES

1986 Residency, Kohler Arts and Industry Program, Kohler Company, Kohler, Wisconsin

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

1966-1968 Associate Physicist, Aerojet-General Corporation, Sacramento, California

1973-1978 Professor, Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois                                                                   

1979 – 1983 Bemidji State University, Bemidji, Minnesota

1983-1986 Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa

1987-1997 Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois

1992-1999 Product Design Consultant, Clinton Imperial China Inc. / Harris Potteries, Clinton, Illinois

BIOGRAPHY

Rimas VisGirda is known for thrown and altered pottery. VisGirda's work features illustrated surfaces, often on a white background. Surface techniques include colored slips, decals, glaze, overglaze illustration and gold luster. Primary subject matter includes people in everyday situations.  About his work, Visgirda states: “My work is influenced by the culture I live in, the machine age, the urban environment, the media, and fad and fashion.” 1 Early influences include comic book style drawings.

1. Merli, Melissa. “Studio Visit: Rimas VisGirda, 67, Rural Champaign.” The News-Gazette, June 21, 2009.