Jorge Wilmot

Jorge Wilmot (1928 – January 12, 2012) was one of the most distinguished artisans of Mexico, and has been credited with the introduction of stoneware and other high fire techniques to the country. His work is also known for its more austere, Oriental-inspired designs blended with Mexican motifs. His work has been widely sold and exhibited both in Mexico and abroad and he has trained and influenced generations of ceramicists at the school he established in Tonalá, Jalisco.

Biography Wilmot was born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, in 1928. He began artistic studies at the Escuela de Artes Plásticas in the Academy of San Carlos in the early 1950s before going on to Europe. In the 1960s, Wilmot held annual exhibits of his works at the Inés Amor Gallery, which brought him much attention. This led to his work being noticed and accepted abroad, which brought him wealth and fame.

Wilmot died on January 12, 2012, at the age of 83.

Influence on technique and design of Mexican ceramics Wilmot's two main contributions to Mexican ceramics were the introduction of high fire ceramics such as stoneware and blending of traditional Mexican designs and motifs with international and modern influences. His work is distinguished by his designs such as those of birds, flowers, two-headed eagles, lions and multicolored suns.

Other activities In addition to creating new and innovative ceramic pieces, Wilmot was involved with the production and promotion of traditional Mexican ceramics and other crafts. Since the 1960s, when he first established his workshop, he established a school for the purpose of improving the technical aspects of ceramics and pottery production as well as develop new design motifs. This school has produced new generations of artisans and is still operating. These graduates have established their own workshops in Jalisco and other Mexican states, spreading Wilmot's influence. However, none have been completely able to copy Wilmot's techniques, especially in glazing, exactly. Wilmot established the institution in his former home in Tonalá then donated it to the municipality.

Wilmot, along with Manuel Felguérez and other artists, founded the Saturday Art Market in San Ángel, Mexico City. In addition to ceramics, Wilmot also did design work for glass, painting, jewelry and other arts and crafts.

Recognition Wilmot has been the focus of individual exhibitions and participated in collective ones internationally since 1972, in countries such as France and Canada as well as his native Mexico. His awards include the Galardon Presidencial del IV Premio Nacional de la Ceramica de Tlaquepaque in 1982 and the Premio Nacional de Ciencias y Artes in 1995. Wilmot was deemed "Creator Emeritus" by the National System of Creators of Art (SNCA) in 1994 for his contribution to Mexico's cultural legacy as well as to the development of other generations of artists). In 1996 he won the Fomento Cultural Banamex prize and the Premio Nacional en Artes y Tradiciones.

In 2009 and 2010, a series of exhibitions in homage to Wilmot's work has been held in various parts of Mexico. The exhibitions are sponsored by the Museum of Popular Art (MAP) in Mexico City. Exhibitions have been held in Mexico City, for San Agustín Etla in Oaxaca, Guadalajara and Monterrey, sponsored by MAP and other entities. The exhibitions feature more than five decades' worth of Wilmot's pottery and ceramics as well as photographs, memorabilia and Wilmot's forays into other crafts such as glassmaking and jewelry design) . The exhibitions featured between 300 and 600 pieces which were brought together from various institutional and individual collections) .