Louis D’Amico

Louis D'Amico, age 73, passed away after a long illness on February 14, 2019, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Lou is survived by his loving mother, Antoinette D'Amico, his sister, Jeanne D'Amico (David Mark) and his beloved niece, Rachel Mark (Aaron Shoemaker). Lou was predeceased by his father, Salvatore D'Amico and his nephew, Daniel Mark. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY in 1968 and his Masters of Studio Arts degree in Ceramics from Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT in 1981. From 1971 to 1981, he taught Ceramics, Sculpture and Design at Doherty Memorial High School in Worchester, MA. In 1986, he was a Ceramic instructor at Framingham State College in MA. In 1987, Lou moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he became part of the art scene. From 1988-91, he was co-owner of Flyway Gallery in Corrales, and an active member of the Corrales Visual Arts Council. From 1989-1992, Lou was an artist in Residence for the New México Arts División. In 1994, Lou rented a storefront in Albuquerque on Candelaria (originally an old dance hall) and used it as a gallery, classroom and studio known as Flyway Gallery/Mudfish Pottery. Eventually Louis moved to his home in the southwest valley which also housed Mudfish, his studio, classroom and gallery. In addition to his own classes, he was a Continuing Education teacher in ceramics for the University of New Mexico Art Department. Lou loved teaching above all else. He was an inspiring teacher and touched the lives of his students expanding their knowledge and love of pottery. Lou was a master potter. He created his own beautiful ceramic vessels in stoneware, porcelain and raku. His large ceramic pieces were inspired by the human figure. Gesture, the push and pull of bone and skin and the twist and overlap of pelvis and torso all come into play in his vessels. His ceramic work was exhibited in several galleries, most recently in the Weyrich Gallery in Albuquerque. He was also a plein air painter, leaving his studio behind to paint and draw in the landscape he loved especially scenes of the Sandia mountains surrounding Albuquerque. Lou was a consummate artist who lived an artful life. His home was filled with paintings, ceramics, drawings and art books. In addition to his adoring family, Lou was loved by many for his creativity, kindness, hospitality, generosity, his wry sense of humor, his open heart and artful inspiration. You could not be in his company without laughing with him and feeling special. Such was his spirit. In lieu of flowers, in Lou's memory donate to a charity that is important to you. A gathering of Lou's family and friends will be held in the spring. Arrangements entrusted to: Riverside Funeral Home of Albuquerque 225 San Mateo Blvd NE (505) 764-9663