Patience, consistency and passion are the three main components needed to make an outstanding ceramics piece, in Jorge Del Toro’s own personal view.

Del Toro has been a student at Cerritos for four years, perfecting his skills in the Ceramics program here at campus.

Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Del Toro has always had a passion for clay. One could say it’s in his blood.

“When I was growing up, maybe around the age of ten, I was always around the Mexican ceramic studios and I established a hobby for it back then,” explained Del Toro.

As a student from Huntington Park high school, he was heavily involved in his high schools ceramics program. After graduating he stopped working with clay and stepped out into the business world.

“I used to like it back then, I enjoyed making replica models but it just ended there,” Del Toro reminisced.

There was a gap of 15 to 20 years before Del Toro actually decided to pursue his passion of ceramic building once again.

“He found his calling once again in life,” said Anthony Gonzalez, ceramics instructional aide.

Del Toro confessed when he started hand building here at Cerritos he wasn’t sure of the direction he wanted to take.

“I wasn’t really focused on what I wanted to build, but I always had an interest in reptiles. I read and learned more about them, and that became my focus,” explained Del Toro.

His interest in reptiles also comes from the fact that some have become endangered. Certain people he knows in the ceramic industry also admire him for that.

“Jorge is speaking out for the endangered species out there and people have come to admire that,” shared Gonzalez.

Del Torro has created some exceptional pieces according to Gonzalez, not because he takes time to put them together, but also because he researches the animal he is going to create.

Not only has Del Toro acclaimed fame here at Cerritos, but his work has been displayed in other art galleries in nearby cities.

His latest creation in display is a decapitated gorillas head. The message that Del Toro was trying to send across was to stop poaching. It is located in Highland’s Park art gallery for the public to enjoy and admire.

“The opening reception was so exciting, it was packed, and the theme was the Day of the Dead,” said Del Toro.

Another piece of his was put in display in the Museum of Art in Pomona. This specific piece was of a chameleon in a tree.

One of his recent projects is incorporating the human figure with reptiles, which may strike out to be very odd to some people, but the work comes out exceptionally well done.

Del Toro admits he couldn’t have done any of this alone.

” (Gonzalez) has been such a great help to me, he takes care of all my art work,” said Del Toro.

Gonzalez has been working at Cerritos for eight years, and feels extremely fortunate to be a part of the ceramics program here at Cerritos.

“I am very happy to have my job because I hear at some other community colleges they do not have an instructional aide,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez’s job usually entails of:

• running the studio,
• loading and unloading the ceramic fixtures and
• helping the students.

He shares one of the reasons he enjoys his job so much is because of the wonderful staff at the ceramics programs. They are always there to lend a helping hand when needed.

The ceramics program here at Cerritos has actually encouraged Del Toro into thinking of pursuing a career in ceramics, making it a full time profession.

“I would like to pursue a career in ceramics. Lately it has turn into a passion of mine to work with clay, and I just love it!,” admitted Del Toro.

He said he loves the excitement he feels when people comment on his pieces and how people actually go to the galleries to see his pieces on display.

“It feels good to be recognized and I see it as a reward.”

Gonzalez also mentioned that community colleges don’t get recognized for their art work. That it is said that they don’t produce good work, but he thinks otherwise.

“I think all art here is beautiful, especially (Del Toro’s). His pieces are so good because he is showing himself through his artwork, and that’s why his pieces are always in demand.”