Today we’d like to introduce you to Gonzalo Jose Garcia.
Hi Gonzalo Jose, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been telling stories in one form or another for as long as I can remember. As a kid, that meant performing—I was one of the earliest cast members in the original production of Les Misérables on Broadway, playing Gavroche for a record-breaking three years. Acting taught me discipline, creativity, and the power of storytelling.
Ceramics came into my life later, but when it did, it felt like a natural evolution. The ability to shape something from raw clay, fire it, and transform it into a functional or sculptural piece fascinated me. I started with home goods—ashtrays, lamps, chess and backgammon sets—but my curiosity pushed me to explore further. My most recent work, a series of ceramic robots, blends craftsmanship with storytelling and has been featured in galleries across Southern California.
At its core, my work is about creating objects that have personality—pieces that feel alive, nostalgic yet futuristic, playful yet functional. Whether on stage or in clay, I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, and ceramics has become my medium for expression. I’m excited to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and seeing where this creative journey takes me next.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Transitioning from a successful child actor to adulthood was a challenge in ways I didn’t fully anticipate. As a kid, I was part of something huge—playing Gavroche in Les Misérables was an incredible experience, but when you grow up in that world, you don’t realize how fleeting it can be. Your voice changes, your body changes, and suddenly, you’re not the perfect fit for roles anymore. The competition gets more intense, and the industry that once embraced you moves on.
That shift was tough. I went from feeling like I had a clear path to questioning what was next. But in hindsight, that uncertainty pushed me to explore new creative outlets. I always loved making things with my hands, and eventually, I found my way to ceramics. At first, it was just a hobby, but the more I worked with clay, the more I realized it gave me the same sense of storytelling and expression that performing once did.
Finding success in a new creative field takes time, and there were plenty of moments of doubt. But I’ve learned that reinvention is part of the artistic process. Whether on stage or in the studio, creativity evolves, and I’ve embraced that journey. Ceramics has given me a way to tell stories in a different, more permanent way, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At its core, my work is about storytelling. These days, my hands are in clay, creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that blend functionality with artistic expression. I specialize in ceramic home goods—ashtrays, table lamps, game boards like chess and backgammon sets, tile work, and ceramic light switch plates—but my most personal and recognizable work is my series of ceramic robots, which have been featured in galleries across Southern California.
What sets my work apart is the way I fuse nostalgia, futurism, and playfulness into my pieces. My ceramic robots, for example, aren’t just sculptures—they feel like characters, each with their own story. That same philosophy applies to everything I make. Whether it’s a lamp, a chess set, or a sculptural piece, I want it to have personality, to feel like it belongs in someone’s world in a meaningful way.
I’m most proud of how I’ve evolved as an artist. Coming from a background as a Broadway child actor, I know firsthand how difficult it is to transition creatively. Reinvention isn’t easy, but I’ve built something that feels authentic to me. Ceramics has given me a new way to tell stories, and seeing my work connect with people—whether through gallery exhibitions or custom pieces for collectors—has been incredibly rewarding.
Ultimately, I create because I love the process. Clay is unpredictable, challenging, and endlessly inspiring. It keeps me curious, and I’m excited to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with my work.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
There’s so much in the world right now that can weigh a person down. Everywhere you look, there’s division, uncertainty, and reasons to feel disheartened. It’s easy to get caught up in all the things that make us unhappy. But for me, art is the antidote. Creativity, color, storytelling, and collaboration—those are the things that make me happy.
There’s something deeply fulfilling about making something with my hands, taking an idea from my imagination and turning it into something real. Whether it’s shaping clay into a robot with its own personality or designing a chess set that feels like a piece of art, the process of creating brings me joy. And beyond that, sharing my work—seeing people connect with it, interpret it in their own way, or bring it into their lives—reminds me of the power of art to bring people together.
Collaboration is another huge source of happiness for me. Whether it’s working with other artists, bouncing ideas off friends, or simply being part of a creative community, that exchange of ideas and energy fuels me. It reminds me that, despite everything, there are still beautiful, exciting, and meaningful things being made in the world. And being part of that—adding something to it—makes me happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gg-cermamics.com
- Instagram: gonzalo_jose_garcia
