Reflections on the Legacy of Viktor Schreckengost

By Cheryl Felix McClellan

A year ago, at the age of 101, Viktor Schreckengost attended the opening of what would be his last exhibit during his lifetime. He was charming that night, kissing the hands of female fans and posing for pictures with children. Everyone left with a smile, put there by Viktor’s artwork and outlook. Two weeks later, he quietly slipped off to the next world.

The anniversary of Viktor’s death is a good time to consider his legacy. As one of the curatorial team of that last living exhibition (All Creatures Great and Small in Kirtland, Ohio) I observed firsthand the effect he and his work had on people. After his death, the exhibition guestbook became an instant memorial where his fans noted his impact on their lives. They talked about his consistent excellence, innovation, delight in nature, ability to overcome apparent failure, and desire to make others smile.

Artful Messages

All Creatures Great and Small showcased Viktor’s life-long fascination with God’s creatures. Visitors smiled at his capturing of the essential natures of animals: the ponderous solidity of an elephant in the ceramic Kublai, the sophisticated gawkiness of his pen-and-wash Camel. His whimsical interpretations inspired all ages. Eleven-year old Charlene wrote in the guest book: “I wish I could take home every piece of art!

The exhibit included stories that gave insight into Viktor’s nature. For example, the ceramic sculpture Bull came out of the kiln with a large blister around it. Thinking it was ruined, Viktor threw the piece to the floor. The blistered glaze fell away to reveal a beautiful red tone embedded into the clay. Recognizing the serendipitous beauty of the piece, he kept and confidently exhibited it. It won several special awards.

Such variety and quantity of pieces appeared in All Creatures Great and Small that it seemed to feature several artists. A very young Viktor had sculpted two small porcelain animals in a delicate blend of Viennese and Art Deco inspiration, while an eighty-year Viktor painted watercolor Guerreros with bold hues and shapes celebrating Mexican folk art. Viktor was always absorbing new influences and experimenting with different modes of expression.

In the years surrounding World War II, Viktor’s art often expressed more somber themes as he reflected on the war’s destructive power. But generally, his work reflected the deep joy he found in the natural world and humanity. One guest summarized Viktor’s impact by saying simply: “His voice, demeanor and art work make me feel happy!”

Designs of a Gentle Genius

As an industrial designer, Viktor literally shaped many of the household objects used during the twentieth century. A guest reflected on his career-long focus on making well-designed products everyone could afford: “We have been blessed with a gifted person who made everyday objects things of beauty to delight the eye and the hand.”

At the height of the Great Depression, Viktor helped revitalize the sagging economy by designing new products or redesigning existing products in more efficient, more appealing, less expensive ways. For example, he used automotive scrap metal to make pedal cars, and then reduced shipping costs by sending the cars unassembled in smaller boxes.

As with his art, Viktor did not confine himself to one style or niche, but reinvented himself (and his products) often during his long, productive career. “There are no words to express the impact … this generous, gifted, gentle genius … has had, and still does, in my daily life,” wrote one visitor. “I’ve grown up with him all around me.”

Legacy of the Mind and Spirit

Millions still enjoy his art and designs, but Viktor’s most meaningful influence was as a teacher and friend. When asked to describe the impact of Viktor’s life on him personally, leading industrial designer John Spirk recently replied: “For me and my [business] partner [John Nottingham], Viktor was the defining inspiration of our careers. He taught the esthetics and fine art of industrial design. We consulted with him about our aspirations. We tried to pattern ourselves after him. He lived a great life. He was an example for all of us.”

If Viktor were here now, I believe he would still encourage us to enjoy the beauties of nature and even to find inspiration in the hard times around us—to make pedal cars out of the scrap metal of our lives and drive off smiling.