In Memoriam: Walter Cotten

Walter Cotten, a faculty member in the School of Art, Design and Art History, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

Cotten, a professor for more than 30 years at SDSU, taught photography and lithography.

"He pushed students in a direction that they typically wouldn't go," said Jim Cavolt, fellow staff member and current student of Cotten. "For me personally, he was one the two reasons I came back to gradate school. He was very knowledgeable."

Over the course of his career, Cotten's work was featured at several prominent art museums including the Photographers Gallery in London, the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla and museums in Cambridge, England and in Montreal, Canada. His work has also been published in Metropolis and Artbyte magazines.

Cotten also worked as an independent investigator for The Center for Land Use Investigation in Los Angeles.

On Friday, a memorial service held in a courtyard outside the Art Building drew more than 100 of Cotten's family, friends, colleagues and former students. Attendees gathered around Cotten's equipment and vehicle, remembering him for his impact through art and teaching.

"Cotten would say, 'I am not a photographer, I am an artist,'" Cavolt said. "It wasn't just about the photo. He used whatever he needed to get his concept across."

Friday, June 18, 2004
Professional Studies and Fine Arts
Walter Cotten Displays New Work in Los Angeles Show

A Los Angeles showing of Walter Cotton’s new work “Systems” ended in mid-June at the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock. Cotton, a faculty member in the School of Art, Design and Art History, currently works in installation and photography with a strong interest in pieces that are fabricated to be photographed. His work has been published in Metropolis and Artbyte magazines.

In addition to his studio work, Cotton also pursues an interest in land use issues and works as an independent investigator for The Center for Land Use Investigation in Los Angeles. He has received a variety of grants and residency awards including the UCROSS Foundation Residency and the Roswell Artist in Residency Grant.