Just seeing this in 2024. The 9 years past seem to add a special touch and value to this clip...very undiluted. Brilliant speech (and of course works) Roberto.
Roberto, not more than four minutes in I began to tear up. Not more than six minutes in tears rolled down my cheeks. What a gorgeous human being you are INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. Your use of your gifts, made actual by your hands, heart and spirit, to create from earth powerful renderings of how you see the world, how you see yourself, how you think you are viewed by others. Watching this talk you gave was perhaps 15 of the most important minutes of my life. You helped me not just hear your message/s but you showed me those messages in pots and paintings, each conversing, each trying to sort out such harsh aspects of life in America...hate, prejudice, poverty...to name just three. I've never seen your work in person, but do hope I can see some samples of your art in the future. For now, just know photos of your work have blown me away as I'm sure you have blown throngs of people away who encounter you and your work. May you never tire or give up your message of hope.
Love this man! He is a contemporary hero/role model for all of us. Such an extraordinary individual! Full of compassion, love and understanding. A one-in-a-million human. He inspires.
I appreciated the expression of all these emotions and experiences in your Art Mr. Robert Lugo you are a fresh fragrance of life, inspiration, and raw boldness with your talent. Thank you for sharing yourself with the world. You spoke for many of us living in a world you find yourself frustrated having to either strive harder to prove oneself worthy or explaining why you may look different but was created the same as you. That we are intelligent and educated. That our culture is rich and deeply earthy. That we have a right to pursue our goals and dreams with out someone predicting or putting labels on us. I say us because I too am an American born and raised but with a Puerto Rican parent growing up in the 50's, 60's experiencing the changes we were dealing with as a multiracial teen I too am an artist and musician that grew up with so many obstacles. You make me proud young man. You are an important voice for our future. Follow God's leading and inspiration, for He is your creator, continue to use your gifts. Reproduce ,multiply, teach, and give. You will leave a legacy worthy of God's praise. Bless you! Mrs. Dee Lewis
I am so glad that a video of this talk is available and I so hope that I will be able to attend NCECA someday. As an aspiring potter of color I cannot put words to how important this is to me. Even being surrounded by a very positive group of people in my local ceramic community, meeting or at least being able to follow artists of color doing exactly what I want to do, having the type of impact I hope I can have on the community someday has an immeasurable significance. Exploring identity, pursuing activism through art and making a space for people of color where society has taught us we don't belong...I hope to be able to follow that path and see many, many more do the same.
Roberto Lugo I follow you on IG! I was planning to go up to the Brooklyn Pottery Invitational and catch your talk and performance there but Irma kept me at home. I will definitely keep connected and hopefully I can swing up that way someday soon.
I remember seeing Roberto around at NCECA this year, after watching this I am really bummed out that I missed his speech on the last day but really moved by what he had to say!
Finally! Someone with passion spoke at NCECA! Lugo, great message, great work! I live in the South and can relate to everything you said. What I see being the primary cause of the problems in the black community is a break down of the family unit. I'm in education and can say due to first hand experience that the reason a student will not do well in school is b/c of what is going on in their homes. Educational output is a direct reflection of their home environmental input. Knowing you have a Christian background, I wonder if your work has, or ever would, investigate this influence of ones home life to their lot in life. There are exceptions no doubt, but generally, those who have a structured home environment don't end up behind bars. Another interesting dichotomy is that here in the U.S. most prisons are owned by private businesses which begs the questions, who is profiting and what is their business model for sustainability? Peace, & Good luck!
If only we could really fix things. People like this man are too few. We all could do more to make change happen. However, the reality is that the majority are too selfish to do anything about these issues or, we realize that trying to help the few that care is like trying to move an Everest size mountain of waste with a spoon to another location. By the way, this man moved me to tears. I truly wish the majority of mankind could feel this way.
+TheRakuman it doesn't take a majority or a lot of people to do the work that he is talking about. You can make some oh woe is us post on youtube and like Im glad hes helping but its hopeless. I'm sure you're cool like dont convince yourself there is nothing you can do or that everyone sucks too hard. Defeatists attitudes like that are more damaging to this kind of activism than anything else. Im an artist and I want to push my work towards community activism and giving kids access to creative art and play. It takes a small team to organize an effort that can change thousands of lives. Dont make bad analogies like that it makes no sense. Be positive.
Just seeing this in 2024. The 9 years past seem to add a special touch and value to this clip...very undiluted.
Brilliant speech (and of course works) Roberto.
Roberto, not more than four minutes in I began to tear up. Not more than six minutes in tears rolled down my cheeks. What a gorgeous human being you are INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. Your use of your gifts, made actual by your hands, heart and spirit, to create from earth powerful renderings of how you see the world, how you see yourself, how you think you are viewed by others. Watching this talk you gave was perhaps 15 of the most important minutes of my life. You helped me not just hear your message/s but you showed me those messages in pots and paintings, each conversing, each trying to sort out such harsh aspects of life in America...hate, prejudice, poverty...to name just three. I've never seen your work in person, but do hope I can see some samples of your art in the future. For now, just know photos of your work have blown me away as I'm sure you have blown throngs of people away who encounter you and your work. May you never tire or give up your message of hope.
These are the kindest words anyone has ever said to me. Thank you so much. -Rob
What a beautiful human. I'm so proud to work in a field that features artists and ideas like this.
Brave enough to cry while speaking the truth. Strength in vulnerability, and much beauty. Thank you Prof Lugo for schooling us well.
This alone has made me determined to never miss another NCECA
Articulate, powerful, a desperately need voice in the world. Bravo Roberto!!
Love this man! He is a contemporary hero/role model for all of us. Such an extraordinary individual! Full of compassion, love and understanding. A one-in-a-million human. He inspires.
I appreciated the expression of all these emotions and experiences in your Art Mr. Robert Lugo you are a fresh fragrance of life, inspiration, and raw boldness with your talent. Thank you for sharing yourself with the world. You spoke for many of us living in a world you find yourself frustrated having to either strive harder to prove oneself worthy or explaining why you may look different but was created the same as you. That we are intelligent and educated. That our culture is rich and deeply earthy. That we have a right to pursue our goals and dreams with out someone predicting or putting labels on us. I say us because I too am an American born and raised but with a Puerto Rican parent growing up in the 50's, 60's experiencing the changes we were dealing with as a multiracial teen I too am an artist and musician that grew up with so many obstacles. You make me proud young man. You are an important voice for our future. Follow God's leading and inspiration, for He is your creator, continue to use your gifts. Reproduce ,multiply, teach, and give. You will leave a legacy worthy of God's praise. Bless you! Mrs. Dee Lewis
I'm crying..... so well said. Thanks for posting, NCECA. Sorry I missed it in person.
You are an amazing man Robert Lugo. Thank you.
What a speech. Love from Altea ❤
I am so glad that a video of this talk is available and I so hope that I will be able to attend NCECA someday. As an aspiring potter of color I cannot put words to how important this is to me. Even being surrounded by a very positive group of people in my local ceramic community, meeting or at least being able to follow artists of color doing exactly what I want to do, having the type of impact I hope I can have on the community someday has an immeasurable significance. Exploring identity, pursuing activism through art and making a space for people of color where society has taught us we don't belong...I hope to be able to follow that path and see many, many more do the same.
Another American in Japan hey friend stay in touch. We have an instagram account our villages baby
Roberto Lugo I follow you on IG! I was planning to go up to the Brooklyn Pottery Invitational and catch your talk and performance there but Irma kept me at home. I will definitely keep connected and hopefully I can swing up that way someday soon.
Truly a men of respect I'm glad I choose to watch this video.
I remember seeing Roberto around at NCECA this year, after watching this I am really bummed out that I missed his speech on the last day but really moved by what he had to say!
Powerful multi-media talk and artist! Love it
Hosanna! Thank you, NCECA! That's some quickness!
Great human being, just because he don't feel superior to any other person. And that is greatness.
"I look at this can/jar of paint and I see a five dollar food stamp". That's a wonderfully powerful statement.
Finally! Someone with passion spoke at NCECA!
Lugo, great message, great work! I live in the South and can relate to everything you said. What I see being the primary cause of the problems in the black community is a break down of the family unit. I'm in education and can say due to first hand experience that the reason a student will not do well in school is b/c of what is going on in their homes. Educational output is a direct reflection of their home environmental input.
Knowing you have a Christian background, I wonder if your work has, or ever would, investigate this influence of ones home life to their lot in life. There are exceptions no doubt, but generally, those who have a structured home environment don't end up behind bars.
Another interesting dichotomy is that here in the U.S. most prisons are owned by private businesses which begs the questions, who is profiting and what is their business model for sustainability?
Peace, & Good luck!
OMG! This was such a good speech. I just want to hug you.
We needed to hear this, Roberto. Thank you.
Inspiring. We need strong voices like this in government.
If only we could really fix things. People like this man are too few. We all could do more to make change happen. However, the reality is that the majority are too selfish to do anything about these issues or, we realize that trying to help the few that care is like trying to move an Everest size mountain of waste with a spoon to another location.
By the way, this man moved me to tears. I truly wish the majority of mankind could feel this way.
+TheRakuman it doesn't take a majority or a lot of people to do the work that he is talking about. You can make some oh woe is us post on youtube and like Im glad hes helping but its hopeless. I'm sure you're cool like dont convince yourself there is nothing you can do or that everyone sucks too hard. Defeatists attitudes like that are more damaging to this kind of activism than anything else. Im an artist and I want to push my work towards community activism and giving kids access to creative art and play. It takes a small team to organize an effort that can change thousands of lives. Dont make bad analogies like that it makes no sense. Be positive.
His amazing and Awesome fellow!! So inspiring..luv the Potts...inspiring man in this world!!
Good job, Professor Lugo.
So inspirational! Keep it up man, you are truly doing the things that mean something.
A fabulous potter with a wonderful message for us all.
So inspirational 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Inspiring presentation.
A Beautiful speech!!
Right on Roberto!! So honest and poignant, way to move the art form forward.
Podrian traducirlo al español? Gracias.
I want to hear from a Rohingia or Tutsi ceramist
bruh moment
bruh