Gabriel Nathan Kreiswirth

A discussion came up recently about my favorite art teachers during my teenage years and I remembered Mr. Kreiswirth´s art class at WHS (c1997)...He shaped my love for all things art! He was that ONE teacher who told me to pursue art as a career and I´m glad he was there for that encouragement. I am forever grateful and glad we crossed paths when we did. I know I´m late for this but RIP to a very influential teacher.

Gabe, the most influential teacher I have had at West. Matriculated there during the late 80's. Let me used his fancy oil painting and supplies. Empowered to work alone in the backroom just enjoying myself with art creation and be immerse in it. Full of encouragement. Full of wisdom and joy. Love the prospector look. Love all the 50's car - California vibe. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you have done for me.

Best Art Teacher Ever. The only teacher who thought I remembered felt I had any talent. Condolences to his family. Just found out 2021.
1999 Student.

Was one of my favorite teachers..taught me to be open to new ideas new ways of looking at art.....made me enjoy art and school...

Going on an interview today to teach art classes. Got me thinking of Gabe Kreiswirth. He was my mentor for many years. Although I have taken many classes over the last few decades, I learned more in Mr. Kreiswirth's class than in any college or university. I still have some of the work I created back then. I model my classes after Gabe's teaching. I had him for 4 years at West High and used to show up at his life drawing classes at ECC.

It has been really hard for me to accept Gabe's passing. He was such an amazing man. He wasn't just a brilliant artist he was a man that loved his work and his students and his family. I owe him so much. I was a student and a babysitter for his great kids. He saw things in me I wasn't allowed to see in myself. He changed my life in so many positive ways. I know he did that for so many others as well. The world is an sadder place without him, but in so many ways what he gave us continues to...

Mr. Kreiswirth was one of the few teachers that I felt understood me, during the turbulent teenage years. He encouraged me to pursue a future in art. Fortunately, that inspiration led me to earn a college degree. Today, I don't do much in the form of artwork, but Mr. Kreiswirth's legacy is still a strong part of me. He will be missed.

I was a crazy kid, emphasis on the crazy. Gabe taught me to direct that, to work at it, and moreover, stop whining. I'm not entirely certain I wouldn't have been institutionalised in some way if he hadn't convinced me that there was work to be done, and it wouldn't happen unless I applied myself seriously to it. What sort of person could get that kind of a message through to a spinning-out sixteen year old? One who paid attention, who understood, who spoke directly to you instead of two...

I am so very sorry to hear of Mr. Kreiswirths passing. I call him that because he was my Highschool art teacher. I loved him very much and think of him daily. I remember I was working at a Salon in Torrance and I recognized Sandras name I asked her how Gabe was and she called him up for me. He came over to see me and we attended an art show that my boss at the time was giving. We went around and looked at and analyzed every painting there. We were friends and I will continue to cherish the...