About GUILLERMO CUÉLLAR
Potter Guillermo Cuellar was born in Venezuela and currently lives in the St. Croix Valley of Minnesota, east of the Twin Cities. He became a studio potter in 1980, and from 1984 to 2006 spent a month every summer working alongside potter Warren MacKenzie in Stillwater, MN. This experience with a friend and mentor informs his studio practice to this day. He is also inspired by the crafts of the indigenous people of Venezuela, with whom he has worked and traveled. Since 2009, Cuellar has been a host studio on the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. www.minnesotapotters.com In 2012, he was featured on the Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) series Minnesota Original https://www.tpt.org/mn-original/profile/guillermo-cuellar/ and participated in the documentary Minnesota Potters: Sharing the Fire, which explores mentorship in Minnesota. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKUPqVATlTU Cuellar’s work has been exhibited across the United States and abroad, in Venezuela, England and Chile.
Artist Statement
I make pots for use on the table and in the home. My work is grounded in historical forms and the relationship between pots, food and community. I believe pots can provide the background to bring together family and friends over food and drink. Even a solitary cup of coffee encourages a silent dialogue with the potter. I love making pots that invite handling and use, that suggest participation and enjoyment, not simply contemplation. Exquisite beauty can be found in ordinary, utilitarian pieces. If my work draws friends together around a table to enjoy delicious, homemade food, thoughtful conversation, laughter, and camaraderie, then I feel I have achieved my objectives as a craftsperson.
Contact
Website: guillermopottery.com
Instagram: guillermopottery