Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

John Albert Murphy
John Albert Murphy Porcelain "Dark Days Ahead" Sculptural Nested Bowls

2016

$3,000
£2,274.76
€2,627.32
CA$4,209.18
A$4,688.94
CHF 2,473.34
MX$56,854.80
NOK 31,464.45
SEK 29,311.13
DKK 19,619.19

About the Item

"Dark Days Ahead" is in fact a glorious paper-thin porcelain sculpture with fluted sides. The "two bowls and one ball" are nestled and permanently fixed. The black and white linear design to the porcelain is relieved by the movement of the fluted sides of the "bowls." This complex design is both light and airy while being visually weighted by the innermost "ball" being covered in a silver glaze suggesting heavy stainless steel. The ceramic piece is slip cast porcelain, masking tape stenciled and glazed in the style of abstract expressionism, specifically Pointillism.  It was fired in oxidation at 2230 degrees Fahrenheit.  The sphere in the center has luster glaze. John Albert Murphy heads as the Director the Ceramic Arts Department, the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. Murphy takes the reins at the BBAC after working more than 33 years as a program analyst at Ford Motor Co. While carving out a career in manufacturing, Murphy never stopped working in his preferred medium -- clay. His love affair with clay started in his first class with Gawaine Dart at Henry Ford Community College in 1968. Murphy has been teaching ceramic arts since 1986 as an Adjunct Instructor at Wayne County Community College; Henry Ford Community College; Schoolcraft College and Wayne State University. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Wayne State University, and a BFA from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. Some other well- known artists who attended Wayne State University are: Arthur Danto, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Tyree Guyton, Hughie Lee-Smith, Philip Levine, Casey Kasem and Helen Thomas. He is accomplished in all aspects of ceramics, from hand building to wheel throwing and from Raku firing to cone-10 reduction firing in a downdraft kiln. His works can be found in collections as far away as Australia, China, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan. He is currently Program Director of the Michigan Ceramics Art Association, past President of Michigan Potters' Association (1992-93), and member of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts.
  • Creator:
    John Albert Murphy (1950)
  • Creation Year:
    2016
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4 in (10.16 cm)Diameter: 9.25 in (23.5 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Detroit, MI
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU128615465662

More From This Seller

View All
John Glick Plum Street Pottery Glazed Bowl Reduction Fired
Located in Detroit, MI
"Untitled" is a stoneware piece with the decorative layer of the rich toned glazes and markings that John was so well-known for. Each piece that John produced was unique. The lip on this piece is slightly scalloped and the shape is removed from the boring circular to mimic a gentle geometric design. He was seduced by the effects of the reduction kiln, which decreased the levels of oxygen during firing, inducing the flame to pull oxygen out of the clay and glazes changing the colors of the glazes depending on their iron and copper content. In this way he achieved the rich gradients of ochre and umber and variations in stippling and opacity. This piece is signed and stamped on the bottom. John was an American Abstract Expressionist ceramicist born in Detroit, MI. Though open to artistic experimentation, Glick was most influenced by the styles and aesthetics of Asian pottery—an inspiration that shows in his use of decorative patterns and glaze choices. He has said that he is attracted to simplicity, as well as complexity: my work continually reflects my re-examination that these two poles can coexist… or not, in a given series. Glick also took influences from master potters of Japan, notably Shoji Hamada and Kanjrio Kawai, blending their gestural embellishments of simple forms with attitudes of Abstract Expressionism. He was particularly drown to the work of Helen Frankenthaler whose soak-stain style resonated with Glick’s multi-layered glaze surfaces, which juxtaposed veils of atmospheric color with gestural marks and pattern. He spent countless hours developing and making his own tools in order to achieve previously unseen results in his work with clay and glaze. Glick’s “Plum Tree Pottery...
Category

1970s American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware, Glaze

Breathtaking John Glick "Scalloped Basket" Glazed Stoneware Reduction Fired
Located in Detroit, MI
"Scalloped Basket" is a stoneware piece with the decorative layer of the rich toned glazes and markings that John was so well-known for. He was, also, known for the undulating lip lines on his exquisite pieces. The basket portion is shaped with gentle curves and a sculptural handle. Each piece that John produced was unique. He was seduced by the effects of the reduction kiln, which decreased the levels of oxygen during firing, inducing the flame to pull oxygen out of the clay and glazes changing the colors of the glazes depending on their iron and copper content. In this way he achieved the rich gradients of ochre and umber and variations in stippling and opacity. This particular "basket" also has the cool blues and grays that contrast with the umber. It is signed and stamped on the bottom. John was an American Abstract Expressionist ceramicist born in Detroit, MI. Though open to artistic experimentation, Glick was most influenced by the styles and aesthetics of Asian pottery—an inspiration that shows in his use of decorative patterns and glaze choices. He has said that he is attracted to simplicity, as well as complexity: my work continually reflects my re-examination that these two poles can coexist… or not, in a given series. Glick also took influences from master potters of Japan, notably Shoji Hamada and Kanjrio Kawai, blending their gestural embellishments of simple forms with attitudes of Abstract Expressionism. He was particularly drown to the work of Helen Frankenthaler whose soak-stain style resonated with Glick’s multi-layered glaze surfaces, which juxtaposed veils of atmospheric color with gestural marks and pattern. He spent countless hours developing and making his own tools in order to achieve previously unseen results in his work with clay and glaze. Glick’s “Plum Tree Pottery...
Category

1970s American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware, Glaze

"Volti (Faces)", Colorful Ceramic Pottery Charger, Psychological Nature Work
Located in Detroit, MI
"Volti", Italian for the word "faces", is a playful ceramic pottery charger that makes an exquisite table piece or decorative object to hang for any home due to it colorful and natur...
Category

1970s Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

"Stoneware Vessel" Cream Glaze with Organic Decorations, Signed
By Gawaine Dart
Located in Detroit, MI
The rich tones of the stoneware clay come through the soft creamy glaze that drips over the surface like melted vanilla ice cream over red devil cake. This beautifully rendered ceramic vessel is perched on little decorative feet that poke out of the body of the piece. Of particular interest and commanding presence are the decorative forms attached to the top and sides. They twisted shapes of bent organic growth and provide endless entertainment for the creative imagination. American Post War and Contemporary Artist, Gawaine Dart...
Category

1980s More Art

Materials

Stoneware, Glaze

Magnificent John Glick Plum Street Pottery "Scalloped Box" Glazed Stoneware
Located in Detroit, MI
This magnificent "Scalloped Box" is a stoneware piece with decorative layers of rich toned glazes and markings that John was so well-known for. He was, also, known for the undulating lip lines on his exquisite boxes that fit together like a puzzle. Each piece that John produced was unique. He was seduced by the effects of the reduction kiln, which decreased the levels of oxygen during firing, inducing the flame to pull oxygen out of the clay and glazes thereby changing the colors of the glazes depending on their iron and copper content. In this way he achieved the rich gradients of ochre and umber and variations in stippling and opacity. This piece is signed and stamped on the bottom. John was an American Abstract Expressionist ceramicist born in Detroit, MI. Though open to artistic experimentation, Glick was most influenced by the styles and aesthetics of Asian pottery—an inspiration that shows in his use of decorative patterns and glaze choices. He has said that he is attracted to simplicity, as well as complexity: my work continually reflects my re-examination that these two poles can coexist… or not, in a given series. Glick also took influences from master potters of Japan, notably Shoji Hamada and Kanjrio Kawai, blending their gestural embellishments of simple forms with attitudes of Abstract Expressionism. He was particularly drown to the work of Helen Frankenthaler whose soak-stain style resonated with Glick’s multi-layered glaze surfaces, which juxtaposed veils of atmospheric color with gestural marks and pattern. He spent countless hours developing and making his own tools in order to achieve previously unseen results in his work with clay and glaze. Glick’s “Plum Tree Pottery...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware, Glaze

Aldo Londi Vase Abstract "Glass Fused Ceramic Vase"
Located in Detroit, MI
"Glass Fused Ceramic Vase" is vintage Mid-Century Modern. This handsome vase has an elongated neck with a white glass-fused inlay portion on the front body...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern More Art

Materials

Ceramic, Glass

You May Also Like

"Bowl (CH2)", Contemporary, Porcelain, Bowl, Glaze, Glass Detail, Mixed Media
By Bonnie Seeman
Located in St. Louis, MO
Bonnie Seeman grew up in Miami, Florida with a propensity towards anatomy illustration and the dazzling colors and rich foliage of the Miami landscape. Developing her technique with...
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Other Medium, Mixed Media, Glaze, Glass, Porcelain, Clay

"Hemisphere Bowl" - topography - textured blow - ceramic
By Gregor Turk
Located in Atlanta, GA
As a self-proclaimed topophiliac, Gregor Turk is known for ceramic sculptures, photography, mixed-media constructions and various public art installations, with the most recent at th...
Category

2010s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Sculptural Bowl by Barbara Nanning, Glass
By Barbara Nanning
Located in New York, NY
Palladium IV, 2021 (Glass, Palladium, C. 7 in. H x 10.2 in. W x 9.4 in. D, Object No.: 4111). Barbara Nanning’s mesmerizing sculptures unite tradition with innovation and are a fu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Force of Nature - intricate, nature-inspired, hand-shaped porcelain sculpture
By Paula Murray
Located in Bloomfield, ON
Paula Murray’s elegant sculptural vessels have been described by art critic Nancy Baele as “fusions of near rupture and serene beauty, echoing nature and the human body in their form...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

British Contemporary Sculpture by Philip Hearsey - Dulas Bowl I
By Philip Hearsey
Located in Paris, IDF
Bronze Series of individual variations. Stamped with monogram signature and uniquely numbered 689B The natural bronze edge is rubbed and lacquered for protection against touch and t...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

"Bowl", Porcelain Sculpture with Glass Detailing, Anatomical References, Glaze
By Bonnie Seeman
Located in St. Louis, MO
Bonnie Seeman grew up in Miami, Florida with a propensity towards anatomy illustration and the dazzling colors and rich foliage of the Miami landscape. Developing her technique with...
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain, Glass, Glaze, Mixed Media, Other Medium