Michael Lucero (b. 1953) is a ceramic sculptor whose brightly colored works combine figuration, Surrealism and references to diverse cultural traditions. Born in Tracy, California, he earned his B.A. from Humboldt State University in 1975 and M.F.A. from the University of Washington in 1978, studying with influential ceramic artists Howard Kottler and Patti Warashina. Moving to New York after graduation, Lucero developed a distinctive approach to clay, using sculptural forms as surfaces for elaborate painted narratives. Inspired by childhood visits to his grandparents in New Mexico, his work incorporates imagery drawn from Southwestern landscapes, ancient civilizations, popular culture and personal memory. Lucero's work was influenced by the irreverence of Northern California Funk art, connecting conceptually with UC Davis' pioneering ceramics tradition. His work has been exhibited at the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery and Carnegie Museum of Art and is held in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Gallery of Art and Smithsonian American Art Museum.