Philip G. Cornelius

Hi Charles,
I knew your father very well. I think of him often. I was his assistant at PCC from 1970 - 1973. We spent a lot of time together. He came to visit me in NYC around 1985, actually stayed with me. He was a mentor and a friend.
Aloha,
Jim Reynolds

When I was in high school I took Mr. Cornelius' ceramic class at Pasadena City College. I wasn't too good at it, but he was so sweet and encouraging. I had a cast on my leg and crutches while in his class but I still kept going because I truly enjoyed the class and Mr. Cornelius. He was just so kind and empathetic towards me. I think about him often and miss him.

Come celebrate the life of Artist Phil Cornelius at Xiem in Pasadena! Whether you knew him, were inspired by him, or were a student of his, come celebrate with friends and family. This is what Phil wanted as a memorial! Saturday Aug 1, 2015 6:00pm - 8:00pm. See his facebook page for more information.

On the wheel and off he was the best Potter and Ceramic Artist I ever saw among the many greats that came through Claremont Colleges! Phil's handling of the material was magical. He inspired my clay as much or more than anyone else. I feel fortunate to have become friends. I will miss him always!

I knew Phil as a fellow craftsman - he was incredible - amazing creative work. He will be very missed.

I had him as a teacher at PCC back in 1988. I loved the class, it was my first ceramics class. I found him to be kind and funny. He loved telling Smothers Brothers jokes. I got to go to one of his shows back then and thought his work was amazing. Love his surfaces! Wish I could have taken more classes from him.

Phil Cornelius was a monstrous gem. He was a mad ceramicist and an intellectual. I met him at PCC (around 1996 or so) while taking sculpture. The studios (sculpture & ceramics) adjoined at that time and he was always around. I eventually took one his courses. He would break student's ceramics right before firing if they were injecting blasphemy into the art of ceramics, such as plates, bongs, etc. He could rip you a new one in a heart beat. In fact, those of us who were around long enough at...

I owe my lifetime in ceramics to Phil's inspiration. He was a great teacher and always kind (and funny) to me. I think of him often. Paula Teplitz