Los Angeles native Steven Portigal found the biology project to be very interesting due to the photography element. The interest it sparked in him caused him to make it his major.

“I started in college studying for photography and then I took ceramics class. That’s why I got interested in three-dimensions,” Portigal said.

He received his master in Fine Arts and began teaching part-time. He went from a part-time position at Cerritos College to a full-time position.

“I got really interested in ceramics when I was hired here, but I had to teach sculpture, ceramics and three-dimensions 20 years ago. I had never taught three-dimensions. I taught ceramics,” Portigal said.

He later learned how to teach three-dimensional design to students.

“I had to be thinking, reading and researching about how to teach three-dimensions. When you are teaching, you really have to know what you are talking about. I did read all the books I could and studied a lot. Being able to teach it is such a privilege,” Portigal said.

Portigal said it is very beneficial to work with students when it comes to teaching.

“Three-dimension design includes the element principles of design, line, form, and space, which are fundamentals of art,” Portigal said.

He added, “three-demensional design has had a powerful effect on the way that I view and make art and I have a much greater appreciation for the formal aspects of art making and am guided in my own artistic practice by this appreciation.”

He expressed how his teaching in three-dimensional design can help students with fundamentals of art.

“Most students don’t really understand that I teach fundamentals and those are fundamental building technics. I give them instructions and they design with those,” Portigal said.

Biology major Lizabeth Hernandez is a student of Portigal. She described Portigal’s teaching as very well. She also said that he is very helpful.

Art major Laura Sandoval is also one of Portigal’s students.

“He comes to every student and he helps each student. If you need new material, he provides it for you,” Sandoval said.

He received the Outstanding Faculty of the Year award as well as received numerous Advisor of the Year awards as the advisor to the Art Club, yet he still finds time to create his art work.

“I was working on a series sculptures for 20 years. Now I’m working on a new body of work from what I’ve done in the past 20 years. I think human beings are inspired by all kinds of design” said Portigal.

He visited Japan to experience various types of Japanese art and pottery. It not only enhanced his knowledge and skills in teaching, but also gave him artistic inspiration.

“When you have something that is made by hand well, it’s a pleasure to look at it. I think, unfortunately, many of us do not have that privilege. There are beautiful things which are made in the industrial arts. Having something made by hand still has a human element,” said Portigal.

Portigal’s work has been exhibited in a variety of galleries.

“I have a show coming up next year. However, because I’m working developing a new body of work, I ve been trying to exhibit I need more time for the work,” Portigal said.

For now, portigal is content with providing students with his expertise.