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Philip Cornelius Obituary
1934 - 2015
Philip G. Cornelius, age 80, an artist, mentor, and long time Ceramic Professor at Pasadena City College, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 19. Born in San Bernardino in 1934, he grew up in Ontario, CA and graduated from Chaffey High School. He led a colorful life traveling several paths as a young grocery bagger, a U.S. Army soldier, a science
major at San Jose State University, a certificated pilot, and as an acclaimed artist and professor. He obtained his MFA degree in 1965 at the Claremont Graduate School and has been working as an artist and ceramist ever since. While many universities have closed their ceramics programs over the years, Philip is credited with making the Pasadena City College Ceramic Department a premier studio and envy of art programs everywhere. His science background served him well when he discovered his passion for ceramics and in the early 1970s developed his signature "thinware", which is ultra-thin and fired "right to the edge." Philip once said he was very aware of his ability to "do the wrong thing and have it come out right." Colleagues believe he shattered the old image of ceramics as a craft and he boldly moved this age-old skill into the world of fine arts. His abstract expressionism, cutting edge construction and imagery are seen within all his art. Philip's work includes his signature porcelain pieces, which resemble tanks, airplanes, and ships in the form of an abstract teapot. The teapots represent so much more than what the eye beholds. Many of his pieces can be seen in major museum collections throughout the world including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.
His recent passing is a huge loss to the art community, as well as to family and friends.
Philip: is survived by his oldest son Charles Cornelius, his wife Tana, and their three children, Ashley, Brooke, and West. Philip: is also survived by his youngest son Andrew Cornelius and his wife Tara Cornelius.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Philip Cornelius
Sponsored by Pasadena Star-News.
Jim Reynolds
August 31, 2024
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
Arda Geuvjehizian
March 9, 2019
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.
July 30, 2015
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.
Damian Ross
July 29, 2015
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!
July 27, 2015
I knew Phil as a fellow craftsman - he was incredible - amazing creative work. He will be very missed.
Suzy Gallup
July 27, 2015
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.
juan-Carlos Perez
July 9, 2015
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 some point experienced it. He was a damn fine instructor, a genius.
He was inspirational, a maverick in his own right and deep down a very caring man.
July 5, 2015
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
July 5, 2015
He was and will continue to be "a biggie". HIs vision and his works inspire each of us.
Henry Wessels. San Luis Obispo, Ca.
Sylvia Nagy
July 2, 2015
Point of View in Black and White" Mixed media of glass, porcelain, painting and artboard.
Your legacy will alive!
Sylvia Nagy
July 2, 2015
We missed a great artist and he would deserve lot of publicity about his life and works in ceramic magazines. He was one of the most iportant artist in the century and he was one of my favorit artist before I have arrived to US from Hungary. I miss him as an important artist, even I have never had a chance to meet with him. Rest in PEACE!
Why the greatest artists meke me cry, even I never meet with them, I don'y know, but that is the sign they were the greatest.
Rick Underwood
June 14, 2015
Charlie and Chad: I'm sorry to hear the news of your father. I have great memories of him that go back over 40 years, growing up on Glen Summer, having him as an instructor at PCC, and once again as a neighbor at the brewery downtown L . A. in the early 90"s. I had a few nice visits with him at his studio and now realize that was already 20+ years ago . Time flies, but I'm glad to have been able to appreciate his work and glad I had a chance to talk to him. It was a priviledge knowing him. My heart goes out to your family.
June 14, 2015
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one . I hope the words at 1 Corinthians 15:26 helps you during this difficult time.
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