Bill Reid

"Mowzart Seeks Inspiration from Herbradite, " Ceramic signed by Bill Reid

1987

"Camouflaged Animals Sneaking Up On MacBeth" is an original ceramic sculpture by Bill Reid. The artist signed the piece on the back and the title is stamped into the front. Reid's na...

41x25x10" Ceramic Steven Kemenyffy (born 1943) is an American ceramic artist living and working in Pennsylvania. He is most recognized for his contributions to the development of the American ceramic raku tradition. He has served as a Professor of Ceramic Art at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania (formerly Edinboro State College) since 1969. He Has retired from teaching, but continues to produce artwork at his home studio in McKean, Pennsylvania. Kemenyffy is often characterized in regard to his contributions to American experimental ceramics of the late 1960s and early 1970s. More specifically, Kemenyffy’s contributions to American raku techniques are often cited. Kemenyffy has stated that his interest in raku came out of practical considerations: “We [Steven and Susan] were doing a variety of workshops in a variety of different media. Raku was always an official way of making pieces in a short period of time…In raku it seems to compress all the firings into one.” Kemenyffy, himself, describes his early work as “Biomorphic forms alluding to old ceramic traditions such as tiles, vases, and containers.” These works were often in excess of six feet tall and many times included mixed media elements. In 1974, Kemenyffy wrote about the work he was producing; “For several years now, my work has dealt with certain formal considerations. Chief among these is using clay in such a way as to crystallize the moment and permanentize the impermanent. These have been among the primary concerns of all potters since the earliest times.” Today, Kemenyffy continues his pursuit of biomorphic imagery and themes. He writes, “Personally I am most challenged by the business of transforming porous organics into porcelain.” For much of Kemenyffy’s career, he has worked in tandem with his wife, Susan Hale Kemenyffy. In 1987 Susan stated about their collaborative works: “Steven is the [sculptor], I am the drawer. These works would not exist if it weren’t for the sculpture; if it weren’t for the clay. The clay entity comes first and my drawings come second.” James Paul Thompson further clarifies this relationship (as observed in 1987): “Steven Kemenyffy uses patterns as a point of departure for his work, while Susan Kemenyffy...

This free standing glazed porcelain sculpture features multi-level coves in which various scenes are depicted. The bottom level of the 'mountain form' holds a dreamer figure with a hanging chrysallis above. The second, middle section holds a snake in a nest like form. The top level holds a resting deer. The overall mountain form is transfigured into the embodiment of a male figure, with a long cloak draped along the back. This figures and forms in this sculpture are all hand-built by Austrian-American artist, Sascha Mallon. “Mountains are a recurring theme in my work. They are a metaphor for the body and also allude to my Austrian heritage. They refer to the border between inside and outside and represent stability and home. My mountain sculptures...

Norman Laliberte sculpture dated 1988. Whimsical and fun by the noted Canadien/American artist. In good overall condition, although there are some mar...