Ted Vogel

Ted Vogel Credit: Steve Hambuchen

Ted Vogel, associate professor of art and program head of ceramics, died July 1, 2019. He had just retired in May after a 25-year career at Lewis & Clark.

A caring teacher with high standards, Vogel says he most enjoyed “working with passionate and energetic students.” He said his favorite classes to teach were Beginning Ceramics and Imagery and Clay. “I’m most proud of seeing my students grow artistically, scholastically, and professionally.”

In addition to being an inspiring teacher, Vogel was an active ceramic artist. A collector of objects and maker of spare parts, he designed pieces that fluently integrated clay, cast glass, iron, digital images, and other media. Drawing on imagery from the natural, imaginative, and manufactured worlds, Vogel explored storytelling and allegory in relationship with our bodies, minds, and nature.

Vogel earned his MFA in ceramic sculpture from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a BFA in ceramics from the University of South Dakota. He taught workshops nationally at the Penland School of Craft, the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, and the Mendocino Art Center. He also served as a visiting artist at numerous colleges, universities, and art centers. Working with staff at Watzek Library, he helped found accessCeramics.org, a growing collection of images of contemporary ceramics by recognized artists.

Survivors include his brothers, Stephen, Daniel, and Michael, as well as his sister, Mary.