Making fun on my downhill run
Retired art teacher and local potter Bob Brigl reflects on getting older, the purpose of art, and the lives he touched throughout his career
The Teacher
Bob Brigl was an art teacher at Bowling Green High School for 16 years. Now, he spends his retirement making unique ceramic pieces from his studio in Bowling Green, Ky.
Bob giggles about a joke he made while working on a piece in his studio at Fountain Square Park in Bowling Green, Ky.
Bob's signature creations are ceramics faces he calls "nutheads" and "buttheads."
"I used to call them 'dickheads' but people got offended," said Bob.
As he got older, Bob started saying that he was "making fun on his downhill run." The phrase sits across from his workspace in his studio.
The Student
In 2004, Jessica Snodgrass graduated from the Atlanta College of Art with a degree in visual arts. But in 2000, she graduated as one of Mr. Brigl's students at Bowling Green High School.
Jessica featured in her high school yearbook during art class.
That was the whole reason I got up in the morning, to go to art class. When I was in there for that hour...it just lifted the darkness.
-Jessica Snograss
Jessica Snodgrass poses for a portrait in her personal studio space where she does silversmithing, sculptures, and the occasional painting.
Jessica makes rings out of old spoons she buys at thrift and consignment stores.
The Son
Reid Brigl, Bob's son, was never drawn to art in the same way as his father. But as adulthood becomes busier, the two hours spent with dad in the ceramics studio every Sunday have become an invaluable part of his week.
Bob and Reid laugh while working on their projects in the studio.
The nuts don't fall far
from the tree.
-Bob, about his son
Bob signs the bottom of all his pieces with his name, date, and his motto: "Making fun on my downhill run."