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Victor Spinski

October 10, 1940 - January 21, 2013
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Visitation
Location Not Available
Friday 1/25, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Service
All Saints Cemetery
6006 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE 19808
Friday 1/25
Location Not Available
Friday 1/25, 1:00 pm

Victor Spinski died on Jan. 21, 2013 surrounded by family. Victor, 72, was born in Poland in 1940, escaped the Nazi occupation with his late parents, Josef and Sofia Spinski, and spent his early childhood living in refugee camps and military bases throughout Europe as his father worked for the Allies and underground resistance. VictorContinue Reading

Andrew Hoag left a message on August 28, 2015:
You and your family were great I wish to have met you in person and that if possible I would've given my life to save yours
Marlynn Chetkof left a message on January 21, 2015:
Many years ago I was privileged to be in a group workshop for mold making that Victor gave. He was so full of life and his stories were so much fun to hear. The workshop was one I will never forget. I just happened to be doing a search on a piece of his, to show to a beginner, and discovered his obituary. So sad to know that he's passed on. He will live on in the memory of so many. May God rest his soul.
Jeff Kessler left a message on November 18, 2014:
I knew Victor since I was high school student. He was a good friend of my father's, Fred Kessler. I am very saddened to hear of this news, and I was not aware that he had passed away. Victor hired me during my junior summer in high school to work in his art studio to help organize various molds for his sculptures and projects. I got to know him pretty well; Always warm and easy going, Victor also had a great sense of humor and we shared many laughs together. Victor also taught me countless life and art lessons, and I will always treasure our conversations about a variety of topics including art, music, politics and history. Victor was a brilliant and original artist; Many of his sculptures were so realistic that I often mistook them for the real thing. He was truly unique and one-of-a-kind, and I am so grateful that I was fortunate to see him create and build his pieces, and subsequently to accompany him to galleries which featured his incredibly edgy, bold and hip art, with my favorite being the "VW Wagon Crashing Through the Wall Fountain." I would also like to wish Victor's family my condolences. I will always remember him and although I will miss him very much, I feel fortunate that l that I got to spend time with him and witness his incredible art.
Bill Peck left a message on August 15, 2014:
Well Victor, so long pal. Can it really be 30 years? My dear dear friend and I drove across Canada and America in the winter to arrive at your camouflaged mail box in Deleware. I remember taking Tristan to the museum in Philadelphia, the Deer Park and breaking your window while trying to split firewood under the influence. My memory of you even after all these years was that every second was fun. Seize the day? ... phhht....a day was an eternity, seize the moment. I fondly remember the last word you said to me on 42nd st and Broadway at about 2 in the morning when you dropped me off in you VW van so I could get my bus back to Canada....."don't let the &^%'s get you Billie". I hope that I carry some of your kind heart with me Victor. Bill--
Georgette and Patrick Twiss left a message on May 14, 2013:
Sally, we were so saddened to hear of Victor's passing. Although Patrick was his room mate at Bryn Mawr Rehab for a short time, he made an impact on us and the staff with the beautiful and amazing pictures of his art work. We're sure he will live on in his great works and kind heart. We send our condolenses and prayers to you, his family and his friends.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Bruce Garrity left a message on February 8, 2013:
I was deeply saddened to hear of Victor's passing. He will be greatly missed. I will always remember his great stories at the Deer Park. He was a great supporter during my time at Delaware as an undergraduate student and later when I returned as an instructor. I was happy and proud to call him both a friend and mentor. With deepest sympathy, Bruce Garrity
Steve Alpert left a message on January 28, 2013:
VS Paint Company- Victor, you are one of my BFF and that also includes Sally. You have set the bar very high . You will be for ever remember by everyone that knew you. We are all in your box. Peace. Steve
Lee Leal left a message on January 28, 2013:
I recieved a call late one night from a professor Spinski telling me I have been accepted but he could not edplain at the moment because of a thunder storm moving in. Was it for real, the acceptence after six straight rejections I was not so sure. What is was ,was the beginning of a life long friendship with a world famous professer what a trill for me. The late night meeting at the Park, the long truck rides to NECECA. Can't remember who hated to fly the most. Adois Amigo. I really will miss your smile and words of encouragement. Peace.
Peter Mears left a message on January 26, 2013:
Thanks Victor, for giving me the space to loose myself in that wacky and wonderful ceramic studio called perfelope. Yours was the original 70s show full of wide-eyed and wondrous youth awkwardly (re)discovering themselves in a brave new world called clay. You were my mentor, the very first. You believed in me and inspired me to pursue a lasting career in the arts. And for that I will be forever grateful. Adios el heffe.
Lenny Dowhie left a message on January 25, 2013:
Vic, your passing leaves a big hole in all our hearts. Luckily, I got to begin my friendship with you in 1974 thanks to Dick Hay dragging me along as a grad student to build your kiln. Your help, friendship, mentoring and sense of mischief will be missed by all. RIP my friend.
JeanMarie St.Clair-Christman left a message on January 25, 2013:
My husband (Troy Christman) has very few mentors and people he truly looks up to, but Victor was one of those people who has Troy's admiration and respect. Victor's creative genius was only out shined by his kind spirit and sense of humor. I remember one year we had Thanksgiving in his studio and he kept us laughing the entire time. Sally - we are sending you love and peace during this difficult time.
Anne Oldach left a message on January 25, 2013:
A great loss to the art world. Victor was a force of nature. Like many artists whose convictions run deep, Victor led with his sense of humor and negotiated the very tricky world of mentoring students without creating imitators. His early life I did not know, but it does not surprise me. I always sensed there was a fire inside him. I hope his family is comforted by how much he meant to so many.
Ray Nichols left a message on January 25, 2013:
Honestly, no senior faculty member was more important to my advancement in the Department than Victor was. While life goes on, there are moments when you have to look back in a time of darkness and smile at having been a part of it.
Maria Garbayo left a message on January 25, 2013:
Dear Sally and family: I was deeply saddened to read of Victor's passing. I will never forget how everytime I went by the house & he would be out tending the "bamboo", I would stop and we would 'chat'. I will miss that...but I pray that the cherished memories left behind and the love and care of your family and friends bring you comfort in your sorrow. With my deepest sympathy. Maria Garbayo
Hilton Brown left a message on January 25, 2013:
I write my condolences to Victor's wife, his family, his students, colleagues, fellow visual artists and friends. We have lost a truly gifted creative artist and a kind, humorous, and considerate friend. On a personal note our interactions most often occurred in the Old College parking lot as Victor made his way from the art department office to the ceramics studio. Our conversations most often lasted for only a couple of minutes but meeting him almost always made me a much happier person.
Keith & Liz left a message on January 25, 2013:
Thanks so much, Victor- one of the fairest and kindest men we knew. You went out of your way to help us make ourselves at home. We'll miss you.
Barbara Nidzgorski left a message on January 25, 2013:
I took ceramics with Victor Spinski probably in 1970-72. I, to this day, teach my students based on how Victor taught me. I remember walking into the ceramic studio the first day. Victor was around somewhere, maybe. There were clay recipes posted on the wall. I figured out that I had to mix my own clay. I figured out Victor thought we were all smart enough to figure out for ourselves most of the stuff. He wanted us to produce excellent, creative, and unique ceramics. We did. One day, I working on a castle night light creation. I had it covered in pastic to keep it moist. When I came in a day later, it looked like the plastic cover had been removed and replaced. I took off the pastic cover and found a piece of paper folded into one of the turrets on the castle. It was from Victor. Just a few words from my professor....... "Nice craftsmenship" it said. He never said much, but what he did say meant a ton. Thank you Victor for being one of my best teachers ever!! You expected the best, I thank you for bringing out my best.
Anne Menaquale left a message on January 25, 2013:
Dear Sally & Family: I was so sad to learn of Victors passing. I absolutely loved working with Vic over the past 10 years or so - he was always so happy, helpful and full of energy. I would look forward to stopping by his studio, having one of his off-brand beers and just sitting, talking and playing with his cats. I admired his artistic talent and never tired of hearing about it and meeting his students. I especially treasure the day he took me up to his studio - a was in awe of what he's accomplished and the fact that he was known all over the world. Most of all I will always remember Victor as a wonderful man that I feel truly fortunate to have been able to call him my friend all of these years. I'm glad our paths crossed. Im sure he will always be remembered as a positive influence and memorable person - one of the best. Take care Sally and keep all those wonderful memories close to your heart. I will.
Amedeo Salamoni left a message on January 24, 2013:
Sally, I am so sorry for your loss. Victor was a great influence to me and one of the main reasons I went into teaching. I will always remember his kind and always helpful nature.
Stan Smokler left a message on January 24, 2013:
I first met Victor at a faculty meeting several years ago at Old College in the Fall... We immediately became buds and I can recall his black greek fishing cap and irreverent but respectful behaviour!!! An absolute dreamer... I know Victor will be missed by all...
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Maggie Creshkoff left a message on January 24, 2013:
Sally, I am so sorry for your loss. Victor was unique, in all ways of the word. I will never forget how helpful he was to me; I could bring any pottery question to him. My love to you and the rest of his family.
Allison Haug left a message on January 24, 2013:
Sally, I was deeply saddened to hear of Victor's passing. He will truly be missed by all. I remember all the great times in the studio, a beer at deer park, or around the dinner table, he was always welcoming, willing to share his wealth of knowledge about ceramics and the world. He was never afraid to tell you exactly what he thought. He was always pushing me to go to graduate school. I think since my undergraduate studies were in something other than art, it made him more interested in my ceramic work. I feel he was my biggest supporter during my time at Delaware and beyond. There are so many happy memories that he will live on inside all of us. With deepest sympathy, Allison
Jack Zittere left a message on January 24, 2013:
Victor had great stories...My favorite was as young pranksters.... they made dinosaur bones and burried them in a swamp...to later be discovered by others. Out here Mauriece Grossman told me of thier inventive and bohemian vagabonding...Such refreshingly creative and brilliant people....jack Z.
Dick Hay left a message on January 24, 2013:
Vic. Thank you for all of those wonderful memories. I will miss you and will never forget you.
Dick Hay left a message on January 24, 2013:
Vic. Thank you for all of those wonderful memories. I will miss you and will never forget you.
Maggie Smith left a message on January 23, 2013:
I was a student in Victor's ceramics program at the University of Delaware from 1970-72. I think I had taken one clay course at the school from which I transferred. Victor was a strong, scary presence and taught me a lot despite his being disinterested in, almost contemptuous of what most interested me at the time: throwing and traditional Asian ceramics. I remember how I pleased him later with a piece my husband called "six-pack of t*ts", and with a lustered fantasy sculpture based on Alice in Wonderland. That clay program was of immense importance to me, and I remember him vividly. I last saw him at an NCECA in Portland, OR quite a few years ago, and he seemed very much the same. I'm sorry that he's no longer with us, out there making his amazing work, and I wish his family all the best. Maggie Smith
Jacklyn Brickman left a message on January 23, 2013:
Dearest Sally, Tristan and Family, We're so saddened to hear of Victor's passing. He was such a kind, vibrant soul- one we will never forget. Our memories of living in the converted barn in Newark are joyous ones - it's where Victor officiated our marriage and where we brought home our first child. Victor's spirit will surely live one through all those who've met him. We wish we could be with you on Friday to celebrate his life. Much love, Jacklyn, Andrew, Felix, Sabine and Elmer (our dog) too.
Connie Albertson and John Eden left a message on January 23, 2013:
Dear Sally and Family, John and I were so sad to hear of Victor's passing. Our hearts go out to you in this difficult time. Always, Connie and John
Connie Albertson and John Eden left a message on January 23, 2013:
Dear Sally and Family, John and I were so sad to hear of Victor's passing. Our hearts go out to you in this difficult time. Always, Connie and John
Jennifer Domal left a message on January 23, 2013:
Dear Sally, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I so enjoyed working with Victor those few times I came to his shop and wish I had been able to return. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. All my best, Jennifer Domal
Melissa Parrott Quimby left a message on January 23, 2013:
Dear Sally & Family, My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. I always cherish the time spent with you during my graduate studies. I appreciate your kindness and support throughout the years. Victor was a true mentor and one of my favorite people to have known. He will be missed by all. With deepest sympathy for your loss. Love, Melissa
RT Foard left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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