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Harding Black Art

American, 1912-2004

Harding Black was born on a farm in Nueces County between Ingleside and Aransas Pass and moved with his family to San Antonio in 1916. There, he graduated from Brackenridge High School and attended San Antonio Junior College (1929–30). In 1931, Black joined an archaeological expedition to the Big Bend area sponsored by the Witte Memorial Museum. Initially a painter, he was taught by Rudolph Staffel in 1933 to make wheel-thrown pottery and in the same year began to teach children's ceramic classes at the Witte. Between 1937–39, Black directed ceramic installation in a San Antonio reconstruction project sponsored by the National Youth Administration and the Works Progress Administration art program. In 1955, he retired from teaching and devoted his time to ceramics. Black became a well-known ceramist from his research, innovations, and writings in the field.

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Artist: Harding Black
"Huge Oxblood Vase" Beautiful from Texas Master Glazer Harding Black
By Harding Black
Located in San Antonio, TX
Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Huge Heavy Oxblood Vase 1984 Height 17'' At widest 5'' Biography Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Harding Black was born on a farm in Nueces County between Ingleside and Aransas Pass and moved with his family to San Antonio in 1916. There he graduated from Brackenridge High School and attended San Antonio Junior College (1929-30). In 1931 Black joined an archaeological expedition to the Big Bend area sponsored by the Witte Memorial Museum. Initially a painter, he was taught by Rudolph Staffel in 1933 to make wheel- thrown pottery and in the same year began to teach children's ceramic classes at the Witte. Between 1937 and 1939, Black directed ceramic installation in a San Antonio reconstruction project sponsored by the National Youth Administration and the Works Progress Administration art program. In 1955 he retired from teaching and devoted his time to ceramics. Black became a well-known ceramist from his research, innovations, and writings in the field. Exhibitions: San Antonio Local Artists Annual Exhibition (1939-42, 1945, 1947); Texas General Exhibition (1940 award, 1942, 1948 honorable mention); National Ceramic Annual Exhibition, Syracuse Museum of Art (1947-54); River Art Group, San Antonio (1948-49); National Collection of Fine Arts, Washington D.C. (1951, 1956); Dallas Museum of Fine Arts (1952 one-man); Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University (1991 one-man); San Antonio Museum of Art (1995 retrospective); National Museum of Art, Washington, D.C. (1995); University of Texas at Dallas, Irving (1998 retrospective). Collections: Dallas Museum of Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts; San Antonio Museum of Art; Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University, Waco; National Museum of American Art, Washington D.C.; New Orleans Museum of Art; Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, new York; Alfred University (New York). Harding Black resided in San Antonio Texas where he worked as a potter for over 60 years and far as anyone knows he was completely self taught. I find it amazing that anyone could ever accomplish what he did with with no formal training in either ceramics or chemistry. It was a long and prolific journey from the early hand built earthenware pottery to become recognized as a master of glazes. While I feel that his forms often could be better this is more than compensated for by the spectacular glazes he developed. Constant experimentation and his acquired knowledge of chemistry were the foundations for the wonderful glazes that adorn his pottery. The following quote is from an interview with Rudolf Staffel His copper reds are unbelievably beautiful. Harding was a master of glazes and one of the most generous human beings in the ceramic field that I've known. He had literally a room full of beautifully organized test tiles of all his glazes, and he would just throw the room open to anybody who wanted to rummage through his tiles. All the recipes were there and he shared them with anyone who was interested. It was wonderful to go and visit him. Although accurate records of all test firings were kept for reference it I have been told that it would be difficult to reproduce many of these glazes because of the kiln he built and clays he used. This may not be the case because in a recent phone conversation (4/11/2007) with Peter Pinnell he told me that some of his students had success replicating some glazes using Harding's formulas By concentrating on the bowl and vessel forms Harding remained true to the historical traditions of pottery making. The magnificent Harding Black journey began in 1932. At that time he joined the Witte Museum Archaeological Society which provided him with access to their collections of Native American pottery. Harding became fascinated by these pollychromed vessels and he began attempting to create hand built pots. He had very little or no success but a life long of working in clay had begun. It was about this time that he met up with Rudolf Staffel and it was from him that Harding learned wheel throwing and developed ideas of how to operate a studio. Harding was given access to working space at the Witte where he built a wheel and in 1933 he was given a position as ceramic instructor. In this position it was his responsibility to establish a ceramics department. The first kiln Harding built was using plans that were obtained from Newcomb College. He scrounged parts from a junkyard which were used in its construction. This project was not totally successful because of problems reaching required temperatures. As usual this did not deter Harding. He seemed to have a wonderful ability to learn from failure and move on. In the early 1940's Harding began working with formulas for copper red glazes prepared by Arthur Baggs and Edgar Littlefield. This work only added to his interest in Oriental pottery and fostered a desire to rework many old glazes. Being greatly influenced by A Potters Book published in 1940 by Bernard Leach Harding was now on his way seeking to incorporate form, function and surface treatment into a single entity where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. In the 1950's Harding left the Witte and built his own studio where he spent the rest of his life creating his wonderful art. The body of his work is a living tribute to the Harding Black lifelong love of ceramics. Along with being a researcher he was also a teacher always willing to share his knowledge with others. He spent his life producing pots and occasionally taking time off to do a bit if fishing. According to Harding Black - Harding Black 11/14/90 "I am one of the lucky ones. When I get up in the morning I can hardly wait to get to work." 1912 Born April 15 near Aransas Pass, Texas 1916 Family moved to San Antonio 1929 Graduated from Breckenridge High School 1929-30 Attended San Antonio Junior College 1931 Joined Archaeological Society of the Witte Museum, San Antonio, and participated in excavations of ancient Basket maker Indian mounds and caves in the Big Bend area of Texas 1933 Taught by Rudolf Staffel to make wheel-thrown pottery. Set tip studio in a streetcar behind Witte Museum and began teaching children’s ceramic classes 1937-39 Appointed Superintendent of Ceramic Installation for N Y A /W P A reconstruction project in San Antonio 1943 Moved from streetcar studio to new facilities in the reconstructed Ruiz House on the grounds of the Witte Museum Began firing to stoneware temperatures 1947-54 Exhibited each year in the annual National Ceramic Exhibition, Syracuse Museum of Art 1951 Exhibited at the National Museum of Art, Washington, DC 1952 Toured ceramic centers throughout the United States 1953 “Opening the Door to Copper-Reds” by Harding Black, published in January issue of Ceramics Monthly “Harding Black Profile” published in February issue of Ceramics Monthly 1954 “Iron Spotted Glazes” by Harding Black, published in February issue of Ceramics Monthly 1955 Built present studio at 8212 Broadway, San Antonio Retired from teaching at the Witte Museum 1956 Exhibited at the National Museum of Art, Washington, DC 1961 “Lava Glazes” by Harding Black, published in October issue of Ceramics Monthly 1964 “Harding Black Texas Potter” by Jean R Lange, published in November issue of Ceramics Monthly 1971 The Meyer Family Master Potters of Texas, co-authored by Harding Black and Georgeanna H Greet 1980 Harding Black’s biographical information entered into the archives of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D C 1983 Harding Black traveled throughout China 1984 Awarded Glaze Research Grant by Southwest Craft Center, San Antonio 1985 Solo exhibition at the Southwest Crafts Center 1987 Selected as Artist of the Year by the San Antonio Art League 1988 Incarnate Word College, San Antonio, establishes Harding Black Fund to aid ceramics students 1990 “Harding Black Pottery...
Category

1980s Modern Harding Black Art

Materials

Ceramic

EXTRA BEAUTIFUL CRACKLE VASE BY MASTER TEXAS GLAZER HARDING BLACK POTTERY
By Harding Black
Located in San Antonio, TX
Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Huge Heavy Crackle Vase 1985 Height 14'' Across Widest 8" Biography Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Harding Black was born on a farm in Nueces County between Ingleside and Aransas Pass and moved with his family to San Antonio in 1916. There he graduated from Brackenridge High School and attended San Antonio Junior College (1929-30). In 1931 Black joined an archaeological expedition to the Big Bend area sponsored by the Witte Memorial Museum. Initially a painter, he was taught by Rudolph Staffel in 1933 to make wheel- thrown pottery and in the same year began to teach children's ceramic classes at the Witte. Between 1937 and 1939, Black directed ceramic installation in a San Antonio reconstruction project sponsored by the National Youth Administration and the Works Progress Administration art program. In 1955 he retired from teaching and devoted his time to ceramics. Black became a well-known ceramist from his research, innovations, and writings in the field. Exhibitions: San Antonio Local Artists Annual Exhibition (1939-42, 1945, 1947); Texas General Exhibition (1940 award, 1942, 1948 honorable mention); National Ceramic Annual Exhibition, Syracuse Museum of Art (1947-54); River Art Group, San Antonio (1948-49); National Collection of Fine Arts, Washington D.C. (1951, 1956); Dallas Museum of Fine Arts (1952 one-man); Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University (1991 one-man); San Antonio Museum of Art (1995 retrospective); National Museum of Art, Washington, D.C. (1995); University of Texas at Dallas, Irving (1998 retrospective). Collections: Dallas Museum of Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts; San Antonio Museum of Art; Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University, Waco; National Museum of American Art, Washington D.C.; New Orleans Museum of Art; Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, new York; Alfred University (New York). Harding Black resided in San Antonio Texas where he worked as a potter for over 60 years and far as anyone knows he was completely self taught. I find it amazing that anyone could ever accomplish what he did with with no formal training in either ceramics or chemistry. It was a long and prolific journey from the early hand built earthenware pottery to become recognized as a master of glazes. While I feel that his forms often could be better this is more than compensated for by the spectacular glazes he developed. Constant experimentation and his acquired knowledge of chemistry were the foundations for the wonderful glazes that adorn his pottery. The following quote is from an interview with Rudolf Staffel His copper reds are unbelievably beautiful. Harding was a master of glazes and one of the most generous human beings in the ceramic field that I've known. He had literally a room full of beautifully organized test tiles of all his glazes, and he would just throw the room open to anybody who wanted to rummage through his tiles. All the recipes were there and he shared them with anyone who was interested. It was wonderful to go and visit him. Although accurate records of all test firings were kept for reference it I have been told that it would be difficult to reproduce many of these glazes because of the kiln he built and clays he used. This may not be the case because in a recent phone conversation (4/11/2007) with Peter Pinnell he told me that some of his students had success replicating some glazes using Harding's formulas By concentrating on the bowl and vessel forms Harding remained true to the historical traditions of pottery making. The magnificent Harding Black journey began in 1932. At that time he joined the Witte Museum Archaeological Society which provided him with access to their collections of Native American pottery. Harding became fascinated by these pollychromed vessels and he began attempting to create hand built pots. He had very little or no success but a life long of working in clay had begun. It was about this time that he met up with Rudolf Staffel and it was from him that Harding learned wheel throwing and developed ideas of how to operate a studio. Harding was given access to working space at the Witte where he built a wheel and in 1933 he was given a position as ceramic instructor. In this position it was his responsibility to establish a ceramics department. The first kiln Harding built was using plans that were obtained from Newcomb College. He scrounged parts from a junkyard which were used in its construction. This project was not totally successful because of problems reaching required temperatures. As usual this did not deter Harding. He seemed to have a wonderful ability to learn from failure and move on. In the early 1940's Harding began working with formulas for copper red glazes prepared by Arthur Baggs and Edgar Littlefield. This work only added to his interest in Oriental pottery and fostered a desire to rework many old glazes. Being greatly influenced by A Potters Book published in 1940 by Bernard Leach Harding was now on his way seeking to incorporate form, function and surface treatment into a single entity where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. In the 1950's Harding left the Witte and built his own studio where he spent the rest of his life creating his wonderful art. The body of his work is a living tribute to the Harding Black lifelong love of ceramics. Along with being a researcher he was also a teacher always willing to share his knowledge with others. He spent his life producing pots and occasionally taking time off to do a bit if fishing. According to Harding Black - Harding Black 11/14/90 "I am one of the lucky ones. When I get up in the morning I can hardly wait to get to work." 1912 Born April 15 near Aransas Pass, Texas 1916 Family moved to San Antonio 1929 Graduated from Breckenridge High School 1929-30 Attended San Antonio Junior College 1931 Joined Archaeological Society of the Witte Museum, San Antonio, and participated in excavations of ancient Basket maker Indian mounds and caves in the Big Bend area of Texas 1933 Taught by Rudolf Staffel to make wheel-thrown pottery. Set tip studio in a streetcar behind Witte Museum and began teaching children’s ceramic classes 1937-39 Appointed Superintendent of Ceramic Installation for N Y A /W P A reconstruction project in San Antonio 1943 Moved from streetcar studio to new facilities in the reconstructed Ruiz House on the grounds of the Witte Museum Began firing to stoneware temperatures 1947-54 Exhibited each year in the annual National Ceramic Exhibition, Syracuse Museum of Art 1951 Exhibited at the National Museum of Art, Washington, DC 1952 Toured ceramic centers throughout the United States 1953 “Opening the Door to Copper-Reds” by Harding Black, published in January issue of Ceramics Monthly “Harding Black Profile” published in February issue of Ceramics Monthly 1954 “Iron Spotted Glazes” by Harding Black, published in February issue of Ceramics Monthly 1955 Built present studio at 8212 Broadway, San Antonio Retired from teaching at the Witte Museum 1956 Exhibited at the National Museum of Art, Washington, DC 1961 “Lava Glazes” by Harding Black, published in October issue of Ceramics Monthly 1964 “Harding Black Texas Potter” by Jean R Lange, published in November issue of Ceramics Monthly 1971 The Meyer Family Master Potters of Texas, co-authored by Harding Black and Georgeanna H Greet 1980 Harding Black’s biographical information entered into the archives of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D C 1983 Harding Black traveled throughout China 1984 Awarded Glaze Research Grant by Southwest Craft Center, San Antonio 1985 Solo exhibition at the Southwest Crafts Center 1987 Selected as Artist of the Year by the San Antonio Art League 1988 Incarnate Word College, San Antonio, establishes Harding Black Fund to aid ceramics students 1990 “Harding Black Pottery...
Category

1980s Modern Harding Black Art

Materials

Ceramic

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HARDING BLACK POTTERY MID CENTURY MODERN TEXAS PLANTER. MASTER GALZER DATED 1959
By Harding Black
Located in San Antonio, TX
Harding Black San Antonio Ceramicist (1912 - 2004) "Mid Century Planter" 1959 16 inches Tall 18 inches across. Weight almost 50 pounds. You are more than welcome to pick this up in person at my Fredericksburg, Texas Gallery. Biography: Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Harding Black was born on a farm in Nueces County between Ingleside and Aransas Pass and moved with his family to San Antonio in 1916. There he graduated from Brackenridge High School and attended San Antonio Junior College (1929-30). In 1931 Black joined an archaeological expedition to the Big Bend area sponsored by the Witte Memorial Museum. Initially a painter, he was taught by Rudolph Staffel in 1933 to make wheel- thrown pottery and in the same year began to teach children's ceramic classes at the Witte. Between 1937 and 1939, Black directed ceramic installation in a San Antonio reconstruction project sponsored by the National Youth Administration and the Works Progress Administration art program. In 1955 he retired from teaching and devoted his time to ceramics. Black became a well-known ceramist from his research, innovations, and writings in the field. Exhibitions: San Antonio Local Artists Annual Exhibition (1939-42, 1945, 1947); Texas General Exhibition (1940 award, 1942, 1948 honorable mention); National Ceramic Annual Exhibition, Syracuse Museum of Art (1947-54); River Art Group, San Antonio (1948-49); National Collection of Fine Arts, Washington D.C. (1951, 1956); Dallas Museum of Fine Arts (1952 one-man); Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University (1991 one-man); San Antonio Museum of Art (1995 retrospective); National Museum of Art, Washington, D.C. (1995); University of Texas at Dallas, Irving (1998 retrospective). Collections: Dallas Museum of Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts; San Antonio Museum of Art; Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University, Waco; National Museum of American Art, Washington D.C.; New Orleans Museum of Art; Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, New York; Alfred University (New York). Harding Black resided in San Antonio Texas where he worked as a potter for over 60 years and far as anyone knows he was completely self-taught. I find it amazing that anyone could ever accomplish what he did with no formal training in either ceramics or chemistry. It was a long and prolific journey from the early hand-built earthenware pottery to become recognized as a master of glazes. While I feel that his forms often could be better this is more than compensated for by the spectacular glazes he developed. Constant experimentation and his acquired knowledge of chemistry were the foundations for the wonderful glazes that adorn his pottery. The following quote is from an interview with Rudolf Staffel His copper reds are unbelievably beautiful. Harding was a master of glazes and one of the most generous human beings in the ceramic field that I've known. He had literally a room full of beautifully organized test tiles of all his glazes, and he would just throw the room open to anybody who wanted to rummage through his tiles. All the recipes were there, and he shared them with anyone who was interested. It was wonderful to go and visit him. Although accurate records of all test firings were kept for reference it I have been told that it would be difficult to reproduce many of these glazes because of the kiln he built and clays he used. This may not be the case because in a recent phone conversation (4/11/2007) with Peter Pinnell he told me that some of his students had success replicating some glazes using Harding's formulas by concentrating on the bowl and vessel forms Harding remained true to the historical traditions of pottery making. The magnificent Harding Black journey began in 1932. At that time, he joined the Witte Museum Archaeological Society which provided him with access to their collections of Native American pottery. Harding became fascinated by these polychromed vessels and he began attempting to create hand-built pots. He had very little or no success but a lifelong of working in clay had begun. It was about this time that he met up with Rudolf Staffel and it was from him that Harding learned wheel throwing and developed ideas of how to operate a studio. Harding was given access to working space at the Witte where he built a wheel and in 1933, he was given a position as ceramic instructor. In this position it was his responsibility to establish a ceramics department. The first kiln Harding built was using plans that were obtained from Newcomb College. He scrounged parts from a junkyard which were used in its construction. This project was not totally successful because of problems reaching required temperatures. As usual this did not deter Harding. He seemed to have a wonderful ability to learn from failure and move on. In the early 1940's Harding began working with formulas for copper red glazes prepared by Arthur Baggs and Edgar Littlefield. This work only added to his interest in Oriental pottery and fostered a desire to rework many old glazes. Being greatly influenced by A Potters Book published in 1940 by Bernard Leach Harding was now on his way seeking to incorporate form, function and surface treatment into a single entity where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. In the 1950's Harding left the Witte and built his own studio where he spent the rest of his life creating his wonderful art. The body of his work is a living tribute to the Harding Black lifelong love of ceramics. Along with being a researcher he was also a teacher always willing to share his knowledge with others. He spent his life producing pots and occasionally taking time off to do a bit if fishing. According to Harding Black - Harding Black 11/14/90 "I am one of the lucky ones. When I get up in the morning I can hardly wait to get to work." 1912 Born April 15 near Aransas Pass, Texas 1916 Family moved to San Antonio 1929 Graduated from Breckenridge High School 1929-30 Attended San Antonio Junior College 1931 Joined Archaeological Society of the Witte Museum, San Antonio, and participated in excavations of ancient Basket maker Indian mounds and caves in the Big Bend area of Texas 1933 Taught by Rudolf Staffel to make wheel-thrown pottery. Set tip studio...
Category

1950s Modern Harding Black Art

Materials

Ceramic

LARGE HARDING BLACK POTTERY MID CENTURY MODERN TEXAS. MASTER GALZER DATED 1952
By Harding Black
Located in San Antonio, TX
Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) "Amoeba Bowl" 13 inches long 9.5 inches across at widest point Dated 1952 Weight 7 pounds Biography Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Harding Black was born on a farm in Nueces County between Ingleside and Aransas Pass and moved with his family to San Antonio in 1916. There he graduated from Brackenridge High School and attended San Antonio Junior College (1929-30). In 1931 Black joined an archaeological expedition to the Big Bend area sponsored by the Witte Memorial Museum. Initially a painter, he was taught by Rudolph Staffel in 1933 to make wheel- thrown pottery and in the same year began to teach children's ceramic classes at the Witte. Between 1937 and 1939, Black directed ceramic installation in a San Antonio reconstruction project sponsored by the National Youth Administration and the Works Progress Administration art program. In 1955 he retired from teaching and devoted his time to ceramics. Black became a well-known ceramist from his research, innovations, and writings in the field. Exhibitions: San Antonio Local Artists Annual Exhibition (1939-42, 1945, 1947); Texas General Exhibition (1940 award, 1942, 1948 honorable mention); National Ceramic Annual Exhibition, Syracuse Museum of Art (1947-54); River Art Group, San Antonio (1948-49); National Collection of Fine Arts, Washington D.C. (1951, 1956); Dallas Museum of Fine Arts (1952 one-man); Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University (1991 one-man); San Antonio Museum of Art (1995 retrospective); National Museum of Art, Washington, D.C. (1995); University of Texas at Dallas, Irving (1998 retrospective). Collections: Dallas Museum of Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts; San Antonio Museum of Art; Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University, Waco; National Museum of American Art, Washington D.C.; New Orleans Museum of Art; Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, new York; Alfred University (New York). Harding Black resided in San Antonio Texas where he worked as a potter for over 60 years and far as anyone knows he was completely self taught. I find it amazing that anyone could ever accomplish what he did with with no formal training in either ceramics or chemistry. It was a long and prolific journey from the early hand built earthenware pottery to become recognized as a master of glazes. While I feel that his forms often could be better this is more than compensated for by the spectacular glazes he developed. Constant experimentation and his acquired knowledge of chemistry were the foundations for the wonderful glazes that adorn his pottery. The following quote is from an interview with Rudolf Staffel His copper reds are unbelievably beautiful. Harding was a master of glazes and one of the most generous human beings in the ceramic field that I've known. He had literally a room full of beautifully organized test tiles of all his glazes, and he would just throw the room open to anybody who wanted to rummage through his tiles. All the recipes were there and he shared them with anyone who was interested. It was wonderful to go and visit him. Although accurate records of all test firings were kept for reference it I have been told that it would be difficult to reproduce many of these glazes because of the kiln he built and clays he used. This may not be the case because in a recent phone conversation (4/11/2007) with Peter Pinnell he told me that some of his students had success replicating some glazes using Harding's formulas By concentrating on the bowl and vessel forms Harding remained true to the historical traditions of pottery making. The magnificent Harding Black journey began in 1932. At that time he joined the Witte Museum Archaeological Society which provided him with access to their collections of Native American pottery. Harding became fascinated by these pollychromed vessels and he began attempting to create hand built pots. He had very little or no success but a life long of working in clay had begun. It was about this time that he met up with Rudolf Staffel and it was from him that Harding learned wheel throwing and developed ideas of how to operate a studio. Harding was given access to working space at the Witte where he built a wheel and in 1933 he was given a position as ceramic instructor. In this position it was his responsibility to establish a ceramics department. The first kiln Harding built was using plans that were obtained from Newcomb College. He scrounged parts from a junkyard which were used in its construction. This project was not totally successful because of problems reaching required temperatures. As usual this did not deter Harding. He seemed to have a wonderful ability to learn from failure and move on. In the early 1940's Harding began working with formulas for copper red glazes prepared by Arthur Baggs and Edgar Littlefield. This work only added to his interest in Oriental pottery and fostered a desire to rework many old glazes. Being greatly influenced by A Potters Book published in 1940 by Bernard Leach Harding was now on his way seeking to incorporate form, function and surface treatment into a single entity where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. In the 1950's Harding left the Witte and built his own studio where he spent the rest of his life creating his wonderful art. The body of his work is a living tribute to the Harding Black lifelong love of ceramics. Along with being a researcher he was also a teacher always willing to share his knowledge with others. He spent his life producing pots and occasionally taking time off to do a bit if fishing. According to Harding Black - Harding Black 11/14/90 "I am one of the lucky ones. When I get up in the morning I can hardly wait to get to work." 1912 Born April 15 near Aransas Pass, Texas 1916 Family moved to San Antonio 1929 Graduated from Breckenridge High School 1929-30 Attended San Antonio Junior College 1931 Joined Archaeological Society of the Witte Museum, San Antonio, and participated in excavations of ancient Basket maker Indian mounds and caves in the Big Bend area of Texas 1933 Taught by Rudolf Staffel to make wheel-thrown pottery. Set tip...
Category

1950s Modern Harding Black Art

Materials

Ceramic

"ATOMIC AVOVADO VASE" 1949 One of Texas & the World's Master Glazers MID CENTURY
By Harding Black
Located in San Antonio, TX
Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) "Atomic Avocado Vase" 7 inches tall. Dated 1949 Biography Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Harding Black was born on a farm in Nueces County between Ingleside and Aransas Pass and moved with his family to San Antonio in 1916. There he graduated from Brackenridge High School and attended San Antonio Junior College (1929-30). In 1931 Black joined an archaeological expedition to the Big Bend area sponsored by the Witte Memorial Museum. Initially a painter, he was taught by Rudolph Staffel in 1933 to make wheel- thrown pottery and in the same year began to teach children's ceramic classes at the Witte. Between 1937 and 1939, Black directed ceramic installation in a San Antonio reconstruction project sponsored by the National Youth Administration and the Works Progress Administration art program. In 1955 he retired from teaching and devoted his time to ceramics. Black became a well-known ceramist from his research, innovations, and writings in the field. Exhibitions: San Antonio Local Artists Annual Exhibition (1939-42, 1945, 1947); Texas General Exhibition (1940 award, 1942, 1948 honorable mention); National Ceramic Annual Exhibition, Syracuse Museum of Art (1947-54); River Art Group, San Antonio (1948-49); National Collection of Fine Arts, Washington D.C. (1951, 1956); Dallas Museum of Fine Arts (1952 one-man); Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University (1991 one-man); San Antonio Museum of Art (1995 retrospective); National Museum of Art, Washington, D.C. (1995); University of Texas at Dallas, Irving (1998 retrospective). Collections: Dallas Museum of Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts; San Antonio Museum of Art; Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University, Waco; National Museum of American Art, Washington D.C.; New Orleans Museum of Art; Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, New York; Alfred University (New York). Harding Black resided in San Antonio Texas where he worked as a potter for over 60 years and far as anyone knows he was completely self-taught. I find it amazing that anyone could ever accomplish what he did with no formal training in either ceramics or chemistry. It was a long and prolific journey from the early hand-built earthenware pottery to become recognized as a master of glazes. While I feel that his forms often could be better this is more than compensated for by the spectacular glazes he developed. Constant experimentation and his acquired knowledge of chemistry were the foundations for the wonderful glazes that adorn his pottery. The following quote is from an interview with Rudolf Staffel His copper reds are unbelievably beautiful. Harding was a master of glazes and one of the most generous human beings in the ceramic field that I've known. He had literally a room full of beautifully organized test tiles of all his glazes, and he would just throw the room open to anybody who wanted to rummage through his tiles. All the recipes were there, and he shared them with anyone who was interested. It was wonderful to go and visit him. Although accurate records of all test firings were kept for reference, I have been told that it would be difficult to reproduce many of these glazes because of the kiln he built and clays he used. This may not be the case because in a recent phone conversation (4/11/2007) with Peter Pinnell he told me that some of his students had success replicating some glazes using Harding's formulas By concentrating on the bowl and vessel forms Harding remained true to the historical traditions of pottery making. The magnificent Harding Black journey began in 1932. At that time, he joined the Witte Museum Archaeological Society which provided him with access to their collections of Native American pottery. Harding became fascinated by these polychromed vessels and he began attempting to create hand-built pots. He had very little or no success but a lifelong of working in clay had begun. It was about this time that he met up with Rudolf Staffel and it was from him that Harding learned wheel throwing and developed ideas of how to operate a studio. Harding was given access to working space at the Witte where he built a wheel and in 1933, he was given a position as ceramic instructor. In this position it was his responsibility to establish a ceramics department. The first kiln Harding built was using plans that were obtained from Newcomb College. He scrounged parts from a junkyard which were used in its construction. This project was not totally successful because of problems reaching required temperatures. As usual this did not deter Harding. He seemed to have a wonderful ability to learn from failure and move on. In the early 1940's Harding began working with formulas for copper red glazes prepared by Arthur Baggs and Edgar Littlefield. This work only added to his interest in Oriental pottery and fostered a desire to rework many old glazes. Being greatly influenced by A Potters Book published in 1940 by Bernard Leach Harding was now on his way seeking to incorporate form, function and surface treatment into a single entity where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. In the 1950's Harding left the Witte and built his own studio where he spent the rest of his life creating his wonderful art. The body of his work is a living tribute to the Harding Black lifelong love of ceramics. Along with being a researcher he was also a teacher always willing to share his knowledge with others. He spent his life producing pots and occasionally taking time off to do a bit if fishing. According to Harding Black - Harding Black 11/14/90 "I am one of the lucky ones. When I get up in the morning I can hardly wait to get to work." 1912 Born April 15 near Aransas Pass, Texas 1916 Family moved to San Antonio 1929 Graduated from Breckenridge High School 1929-30 Attended San Antonio Junior College 1931 Joined Archaeological Society of the Witte Museum, San Antonio, and participated in excavations of ancient Basket maker Indian mounds and caves in the Big Bend area of Texas 1933 Taught by Rudolf Staffel to make wheel-thrown pottery. Set tip studio...
Category

1940s Modern Harding Black Art

Materials

Ceramic

"Extra Large Industrial Art Tile" One of Texas and the World's Master Glazers
By Harding Black
Located in San Antonio, TX
Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Mid Century Industrial Tile Size: 10.75" x 15" Dated 1961 Beautiful and exceptionally large Master Potter/Glazer Harding Black. One of Harding's most unusual and largest tiles. Biography Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Harding Black was born on a farm in Nueces County between Ingleside and Aransas Pass and moved with his family to San Antonio in 1916. There he graduated from Brackenridge High School and attended San Antonio Junior College (1929-30). In 1931 Black joined an archaeological expedition to the Big Bend area sponsored by the Witte Memorial Museum. Initially a painter, he was taught by Rudolph Staffel in 1933 to make wheel- thrown pottery and in the same year began to teach children's ceramic classes at the Witte. Between 1937 and 1939, Black directed ceramic installation in a San Antonio reconstruction project sponsored by the National Youth Administration and the Works Progress Administration art program. In 1955 he retired from teaching and devoted his time to ceramics. Black became a well-known ceramist from his research, innovations, and writings in the field. Exhibitions: San Antonio Local Artists Annual Exhibition (1939-42, 1945, 1947); Texas General Exhibition (1940 award, 1942, 1948 honorable mention); National Ceramic Annual Exhibition, Syracuse Museum of Art (1947-54); River Art Group, San Antonio (1948-49); National Collection of Fine Arts, Washington D.C. (1951, 1956); Dallas Museum of Fine Arts (1952 one-man); Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University (1991 one-man); San Antonio Museum of Art (1995 retrospective); National Museum of Art, Washington, D.C. (1995); University of Texas at Dallas, Irving (1998 retrospective). Collections: Dallas Museum of Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts; San Antonio Museum of Art; Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University, Waco; National Museum of American Art, Washington D.C.; New Orleans Museum of Art; Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, new York; Alfred University (New York). Harding Black resided in San Antonio Texas where he worked as a potter for over 60 years and far as anyone knows he was completely self taught. I find it amazing that anyone could ever accomplish what he did with with no formal training in either ceramics or chemistry. It was a long and prolific journey from the early hand built earthenware pottery to become recognized as a master of glazes. While I feel that his forms often could be better this is more than compensated for by the spectacular glazes he developed. Constant experimentation and his acquired knowledge of chemistry were the foundations for the wonderful glazes that adorn his pottery. The following quote is from an interview with Rudolf Staffel His copper reds are unbelievably beautiful. Harding was a master of glazes and one of the most generous human beings in the ceramic field that I've known. He had literally a room full of beautifully organized test tiles of all his glazes, and he would just throw the room open to anybody who wanted to rummage through his tiles. All the recipes were there and he shared them with anyone who was interested. It was wonderful to go and visit him. Although accurate records of all test firings were kept for reference it I have been told that it would be difficult to reproduce many of these glazes because of the kiln he built and clays he used. This may not be the case because in a recent phone conversation (4/11/2007) with Peter Pinnell he told me that some of his students had success replicating some glazes using Harding's formulas By concentrating on the bowl and vessel forms Harding remained true to the historical traditions of pottery making. The magnificent Harding Black journey began in 1932. At that time he joined the Witte Museum Archaeological Society which provided him with access to their collections of Native American pottery. Harding became fascinated by these pollychromed vessels and he began attempting to create hand built pots. He had very little or no success but a life long of working in clay had begun. It was about this time that he met up with Rudolf Staffel and it was from him that Harding learned wheel throwing and developed ideas of how to operate a studio. Harding was given access to working space at the Witte where he built a wheel and in 1933 he was given a position as ceramic instructor. In this position it was his responsibility to establish a ceramics department. The first kiln Harding built was using plans that were obtained from Newcomb College. He scrounged parts from a junkyard which were used in its construction. This project was not totally successful because of problems reaching required temperatures. As usual this did not deter Harding. He seemed to have a wonderful ability to learn from failure and move on. In the early 1940's Harding began working with formulas for copper red glazes prepared by Arthur Baggs and Edgar Littlefield. This work only added to his interest in Oriental pottery and fostered a desire to rework many old glazes. Being greatly influenced by A Potters Book published in 1940 by Bernard Leach Harding was now on his way seeking to incorporate form, function and surface treatment into a single entity where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. In the 1950's Harding left the Witte and built his own studio where he spent the rest of his life creating his wonderful art. The body of his work is a living tribute to the Harding Black lifelong love of ceramics. Along with being a researcher he was also a teacher always willing to share his knowledge with others. He spent his life producing pots and occasionally taking time off to do a bit if fishing. According to Harding Black - Harding Black 11/14/90 "I am one of the lucky ones. When I get up in the morning I can hardly wait to get to work." 1912 Born April 15 near Aransas Pass, Texas 1916 Family moved to San Antonio 1929 Graduated from Breckenridge High School 1929-30 Attended San Antonio Junior College 1931 Joined Archaeological Society of the Witte Museum, San Antonio, and participated in excavations of ancient Basket maker Indian mounds and caves in the Big Bend area of Texas 1933 Taught by Rudolf Staffel to make wheel-thrown pottery. Set tip studio in a streetcar behind Witte Museum and began teaching children’s ceramic classes 1937-39 Appointed Superintendent of Ceramic Installation for N Y A /W P A reconstruction project in San Antonio 1943 Moved from streetcar studio to new facilities in the reconstructed Ruiz House on the grounds of the Witte Museum Began firing to stoneware temperatures 1947-54 Exhibited each year in the annual National Ceramic Exhibition, Syracuse Museum of Art 1951 Exhibited at the National Museum of Art, Washington, DC 1952 Toured ceramic centers throughout the United States 1953 “Opening the Door to Copper-Reds” by Harding Black, published in January issue of Ceramics Monthly “Harding Black Profile” published in February issue of Ceramics Monthly 1954 “Iron Spotted Glazes” by Harding Black, published in February issue of Ceramics Monthly 1955 Built present studio at 8212 Broadway, San Antonio Retired from teaching at the Witte Museum 1956 Exhibited at the National Museum of Art, Washington, DC 1961 “Lava Glazes” by Harding Black, published in October issue of Ceramics Monthly 1964 “Harding Black Texas Potter” by Jean R Lange, published in November issue of Ceramics Monthly 1971 The Meyer Family Master Potters of Texas, co-authored by Harding Black and Georgeanna H Greet 1980 Harding Black’s biographical information entered into the archives of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D C 1983 Harding Black traveled throughout China 1984 Awarded Glaze Research Grant by Southwest Craft Center, San Antonio 1985 Solo exhibition at the Southwest Crafts Center 1987 Selected as Artist of the Year by the San Antonio Art League 1988 Incarnate Word College, San Antonio, establishes Harding Black Fund to aid ceramics students 1990 “Harding Black Pottery...
Category

1960s Modern Harding Black Art

Materials

Ceramic

1944 Harding Black Footed Bowl BY MASTER TEXAS GLAZER HARDING BLACK ART POTTERY
By Harding Black
Located in San Antonio, TX
Harding Black Tiny yet powerful example by the Master Harding Black. San Antonio (1912 - 2004) 1944 Crackle Glaze footed Bowl 4 1/2 inch Diameter 2 inch Height A translucent blue crackle glazed bowl raised on conical unglazed foot, 1944 Biography Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Harding Black was born on a farm in Nueces County between Ingleside and Aransas Pass and moved with his family to San Antonio in 1916. There he graduated from Brackenridge High School and attended San Antonio Junior College (1929-30). In 1931 Black joined an archaeological expedition to the Big Bend area sponsored by the Witte Memorial Museum. Initially a painter, he was taught by Rudolph Staffel in 1933 to make wheel- thrown pottery and in the same year began to teach children's ceramic classes at the Witte. Between 1937 and 1939, Black directed ceramic installation in a San Antonio reconstruction project sponsored by the National Youth Administration and the Works Progress Administration art program. In 1955 he retired from teaching and devoted his time to ceramics. Black became a well-known ceramist from his research, innovations, and writings in the field. Exhibitions: San Antonio Local Artists Annual Exhibition (1939-42, 1945, 1947); Texas General Exhibition (1940 award, 1942, 1948 honorable mention); National Ceramic Annual Exhibition, Syracuse Museum of Art (1947-54); River Art Group, San Antonio (1948-49); National Collection of Fine Arts, Washington D.C. (1951, 1956); Dallas Museum of Fine Arts (1952 one-man); Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University (1991 one-man); San Antonio Museum of Art (1995 retrospective); National Museum of Art, Washington, D.C. (1995); University of Texas at Dallas, Irving (1998 retrospective). Collections: Dallas Museum of Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts; San Antonio Museum of Art; Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University, Waco; National Museum of American Art, Washington D.C.; New Orleans Museum of Art; Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, new York; Alfred University (New York). Harding Black resided in San Antonio Texas where he worked as a potter for over 60 years and far as anyone knows he was completely self taught. I find it amazing that anyone could ever accomplish what he did with with no formal training in either ceramics or chemistry. It was a long and prolific journey from the early hand built earthenware pottery to become recognized as a master of glazes. While I feel that his forms often could be better this is more than compensated for by the spectacular glazes he developed. Constant experimentation and his acquired knowledge of chemistry were the foundations for the wonderful glazes that adorn his pottery. The following quote is from an interview with Rudolf Staffel His copper reds are unbelievably beautiful. Harding was a master of glazes and one of the most generous human beings in the ceramic field that I've known. He had literally a room full of beautifully organized test tiles of all his glazes, and he would just throw the room open to anybody who wanted to rummage through his tiles. All the recipes were there and he shared them with anyone who was interested. It was wonderful to go and visit him. Although accurate records of all test firings were kept for reference it I have been told that it would be difficult to reproduce many of these glazes because of the kiln he built and clays he used. This may not be the case because in a recent phone conversation (4/11/2007) with Peter Pinnell he told me that some of his students had success replicating some glazes using Harding's formulas By concentrating on the bowl and vessel forms Harding remained true to the historical traditions of pottery making. The magnificent Harding Black journey began in 1932. At that time he joined the Witte Museum Archaeological Society which provided him with access to their collections of Native American pottery. Harding became fascinated by these pollychromed vessels and he began attempting to create hand built pots. He had very little or no success but a life long of working in clay had begun. It was about this time that he met up with Rudolf Staffel and it was from him that Harding learned wheel throwing and developed ideas of how to operate a studio. Harding was given access to working space at the Witte where he built a wheel and in 1933 he was given a position as ceramic instructor. In this position it was his responsibility to establish a ceramics department. The first kiln Harding built was using plans that were obtained from Newcomb College. He scrounged parts from a junkyard which were used in its construction. This project was not totally successful because of problems reaching required temperatures. As usual this did not deter Harding. He seemed to have a wonderful ability to learn from failure and move on. In the early 1940's Harding began working with formulas for copper red glazes prepared by Arthur Baggs and Edgar Littlefield. This work only added to his interest in Oriental pottery...
Category

1940s Modern Harding Black Art

Materials

Ceramic

"AWESOME LARGE OIL SPOT BOWL" Master Glazer brown and beige earthtones
By Harding Black
Located in San Antonio, TX
Harding Black Browns, Beige, Oil Spot bowl. Master Glazer Harding Black of Texas. Thick bodied and heavy San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Oil Spot Amoeba Bowl Dated 1953 17 inches long 9 inches across Biography Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Harding Black was born on a farm in Nueces County between Ingleside and Aransas Pass and moved with his family to San Antonio in 1916. There he graduated from Brackenridge High School and attended San Antonio Junior College (1929-30). In 1931 Black joined an archaeological expedition to the Big Bend area sponsored by the Witte Memorial Museum. Initially a painter, he was taught by Rudolph Staffel in 1933 to make wheel- thrown pottery and in the same year began to teach children's ceramic classes at the Witte. Between 1937 and 1939, Black directed ceramic installation in a San Antonio reconstruction project sponsored by the National Youth Administration and the Works Progress Administration art program. In 1955 he retired from teaching and devoted his time to ceramics. Black became a well-known ceramist from his research, innovations, and writings in the field. Exhibitions: San Antonio Local Artists Annual Exhibition (1939-42, 1945, 1947); Texas General Exhibition (1940 award, 1942, 1948 honorable mention); National Ceramic Annual Exhibition, Syracuse Museum of Art (1947-54); River Art Group, San Antonio (1948-49); National Collection of Fine Arts, Washington D.C. (1951, 1956); Dallas Museum of Fine Arts (1952 one-man); Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University (1991 one-man); San Antonio Museum of Art (1995 retrospective); National Museum of Art, Washington, D.C. (1995); University of Texas at Dallas, Irving (1998 retrospective). Collections: Dallas Museum of Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts; San Antonio Museum of Art; Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University, Waco; National Museum of American Art, Washington D.C.; New Orleans Museum of Art; Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, new York; Alfred University (New York). Harding Black resided in San Antonio Texas where he worked as a potter for over 60 years and far as anyone knows he was completely self taught. I find it amazing that anyone could ever accomplish what he did with with no formal training in either ceramics or chemistry. It was a long and prolific journey from the early hand built earthenware pottery to become recognized as a master of glazes. While I feel that his forms often could be better this is more than compensated for by the spectacular glazes he developed. Constant experimentation and his acquired knowledge of chemistry were the foundations for the wonderful glazes that adorn his pottery. The following quote is from an interview with Rudolf Staffel His copper reds are unbelievably beautiful. Harding was a master of glazes and one of the most generous human beings in the ceramic field that I've known. He had literally a room full of beautifully organized test tiles of all his glazes, and he would just throw the room open to anybody who wanted to rummage through his tiles. All the recipes were there and he shared them with anyone who was interested. It was wonderful to go and visit him. Although accurate records of all test firings were kept for reference it I have been told that it would be difficult to reproduce many of these glazes because of the kiln he built and clays he used. This may not be the case because in a recent phone conversation (4/11/2007) with Peter Pinnell he told me that some of his students had success replicating some glazes using Harding's formulas By concentrating on the bowl and vessel forms Harding remained true to the historical traditions of pottery making. The magnificent Harding Black journey began in 1932. At that time he joined the Witte Museum Archaeological Society which provided him with access to their collections of Native American pottery. Harding became fascinated by these pollychromed vessels and he began attempting to create hand built pots. He had very little or no success but a life long of working in clay had begun. It was about this time that he met up with Rudolf Staffel and it was from him that Harding learned wheel throwing and developed ideas of how to operate a studio. Harding was given access to working space at the Witte where he built a wheel and in 1933 he was given a position as ceramic instructor. In this position it was his responsibility to establish a ceramics department. The first kiln Harding built was using plans that were obtained from Newcomb College. He scrounged parts from a junkyard which were used in its construction. This project was not totally successful because of problems reaching required temperatures. As usual this did not deter Harding. He seemed to have a wonderful ability to learn from failure and move on. In the early 1940's Harding began working with formulas for copper red glazes prepared by Arthur Baggs and Edgar Littlefield. This work only added to his interest in Oriental pottery...
Category

1950s Modern Harding Black Art

Materials

Ceramic

"AWESOME LARGE ART POTTERY VASE" Master Glazer
By Harding Black
Located in San Antonio, TX
Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Huge Vase 18" Tall 1984 Biography Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Harding Black was born on a farm in Nueces County between Ingleside and Aransas Pass and moved with his family to San Antonio in 1916. There he graduated from Brackenridge High School and attended San Antonio Junior College (1929-30). In 1931 Black joined an archaeological expedition to the Big Bend area sponsored by the Witte Memorial Museum. Initially a painter, he was taught by Rudolph Staffel in 1933 to make wheel- thrown pottery and in the same year began to teach children's ceramic classes at the Witte. Between 1937 and 1939, Black directed ceramic installation in a San Antonio reconstruction project sponsored by the National Youth Administration and the Works Progress Administration art program. In 1955 he retired from teaching and devoted his time to ceramics. Black became a well-known ceramist from his research, innovations, and writings in the field. Exhibitions: San Antonio Local Artists Annual Exhibition (1939-42, 1945, 1947); Texas General Exhibition (1940 award, 1942, 1948 honorable mention); National Ceramic Annual Exhibition, Syracuse Museum of Art (1947-54); River Art Group, San Antonio (1948-49); National Collection of Fine Arts, Washington D.C. (1951, 1956); Dallas Museum of Fine Arts (1952 one-man); Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University (1991 one-man); San Antonio Museum of Art (1995 retrospective); National Museum of Art, Washington, D.C. (1995); University of Texas at Dallas, Irving (1998 retrospective). Collections: Dallas Museum of Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts; San Antonio Museum of Art; Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University, Waco; National Museum of American Art, Washington D.C.; New Orleans Museum of Art; Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, new York; Alfred University (New York). Harding Black resided in San Antonio Texas where he worked as a potter for over 60 years and far as anyone knows he was completely self taught. I find it amazing that anyone could ever accomplish what he did with with no formal training in either ceramics or chemistry. It was a long and prolific journey from the early hand built earthenware pottery to become recognized as a master of glazes. While I feel that his forms often could be better this is more than compensated for by the spectacular glazes he developed. Constant experimentation and his acquired knowledge of chemistry were the foundations for the wonderful glazes that adorn his pottery. The following quote is from an interview with Rudolf Staffel His copper reds are unbelievably beautiful. Harding was a master of glazes and one of the most generous human beings in the ceramic field that I've known. He had literally a room full of beautifully organized test tiles of all his glazes, and he would just throw the room open to anybody who wanted to rummage through his tiles. All the recipes were there and he shared them with anyone who was interested. It was wonderful to go and visit him. Although accurate records of all test firings were kept for reference it I have been told that it would be difficult to reproduce many of these glazes because of the kiln he built and clays he used. This may not be the case because in a recent phone conversation (4/11/2007) with Peter Pinnell he told me that some of his students had success replicating some glazes using Harding's formulas By concentrating on the bowl and vessel forms Harding remained true to the historical traditions of pottery making. The magnificent Harding Black journey began in 1932. At that time he joined the Witte Museum Archaeological Society which provided him with access to their collections of Native American pottery. Harding became fascinated by these pollychromed vessels and he began attempting to create hand built pots. He had very little or no success but a life long of working in clay had begun. It was about this time that he met up with Rudolf Staffel and it was from him that Harding learned wheel throwing and developed ideas of how to operate a studio. Harding was given access to working space at the Witte where he built a wheel and in 1933 he was given a position as ceramic instructor. In this position it was his responsibility to establish a ceramics department. The first kiln Harding built was using plans that were obtained from Newcomb College. He scrounged parts from a junkyard which were used in its construction. This project was not totally successful because of problems reaching required temperatures. As usual this did not deter Harding. He seemed to have a wonderful ability to learn from failure and move on. In the early 1940's Harding began working with formulas for copper red glazes prepared by Arthur Baggs and Edgar Littlefield. This work only added to his interest in Oriental pottery and fostered a desire to rework many old glazes. Being greatly influenced by A Potters Book published in 1940 by Bernard Leach Harding was now on his way seeking to incorporate form, function and surface treatment into a single entity where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. In the 1950's Harding left the Witte and built his own studio where he spent the rest of his life creating his wonderful art. The body of his work is a living tribute to the Harding Black lifelong love of ceramics. Along with being a researcher he was also a teacher always willing to share his knowledge with others. He spent his life producing pots and occasionally taking time off to do a bit if fishing. According to Harding Black - Harding Black 11/14/90 "I am one of the lucky ones. When I get up in the morning I can hardly wait to get to work." 1912 Born April 15 near Aransas Pass, Texas 1916 Family moved to San Antonio 1929 Graduated from Breckenridge High School 1929-30 Attended San Antonio Junior College 1931 Joined Archaeological Society of the Witte Museum, San Antonio, and participated in excavations of ancient Basket...
Category

1980s Modern Harding Black Art

Materials

Ceramic

"Mid Century Large Art Pottery Bowl"
By Harding Black
Located in San Antonio, TX
Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) 1952 Bowl Height 2.75 Diameter 14.5 Biography Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Harding Black was born on a farm in Nueces County between Ingleside and Aransas Pass and moved with his family to San Antonio in 1916. There he graduated from Brackenridge High School and attended San Antonio Junior College (1929-30). In 1931 Black joined an archaeological expedition to the Big Bend area sponsored by the Witte Memorial Museum. Initially a painter, he was taught by Rudolph Staffel in 1933 to make wheel- thrown pottery and in the same year began to teach children's ceramic classes at the Witte. Between 1937 and 1939, Black directed ceramic installation in a San Antonio reconstruction project sponsored by the National Youth Administration and the Works Progress Administration art program. In 1955 he retired from teaching and devoted his time to ceramics. Black became a well-known ceramist from his research, innovations, and writings in the field. Exhibitions: San Antonio Local Artists Annual Exhibition (1939-42, 1945, 1947); Texas General Exhibition (1940 award, 1942, 1948 honorable mention); National Ceramic Annual Exhibition, Syracuse Museum of Art (1947-54); River Art Group, San Antonio (1948-49); National Collection of Fine Arts, Washington D.C. (1951, 1956); Dallas Museum of Fine Arts (1952 one-man); Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University (1991 one-man); San Antonio Museum of Art (1995 retrospective); National Museum of Art, Washington, D.C. (1995); University of Texas at Dallas, Irving (1998 retrospective). Collections: Dallas Museum of Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts; San Antonio Museum of Art; Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University, Waco; National Museum of American Art, Washington D.C.; New Orleans Museum of Art; Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, new York; Alfred University (New York). Harding Black resided in San Antonio Texas where he worked as a potter for over 60 years and far as anyone knows he was completely self taught. I find it amazing that anyone could ever accomplish what he did with with no formal training in either ceramics or chemistry. It was a long and prolific journey from the early hand built earthenware pottery to become recognized as a master of glazes. While I feel that his forms often could be better this is more than compensated for by the spectacular glazes he developed. Constant experimentation and his acquired knowledge of chemistry were the foundations for the wonderful glazes that adorn his pottery. The following quote is from an interview with Rudolf Staffel His copper reds are unbelievably beautiful. Harding was a master of glazes and one of the most generous human beings in the ceramic field that I've known. He had literally a room full of beautifully organized test tiles of all his glazes, and he would just throw the room open to anybody who wanted to rummage through his tiles. All the recipes were there and he shared them with anyone who was interested. It was wonderful to go and visit him. Although accurate records of all test firings were kept for reference it I have been told that it would be difficult to reproduce many of these glazes because of the kiln he built and clays he used. This may not be the case because in a recent phone conversation (4/11/2007) with Peter Pinnell he told me that some of his students had success replicating some glazes using Harding's formulas By concentrating on the bowl and vessel forms Harding remained true to the historical traditions of pottery making. The magnificent Harding Black journey began in 1932. At that time he joined the Witte Museum Archaeological Society which provided him with access to their collections of Native American pottery. Harding became fascinated by these pollychromed vessels and he began attempting to create hand built pots. He had very little or no success but a life long of working in clay had begun. It was about this time that he met up with Rudolf Staffel and it was from him that Harding learned wheel throwing and developed ideas of how to operate a studio. Harding was given access to working space at the Witte where he built a wheel and in 1933 he was given a position as ceramic instructor. In this position it was his responsibility to establish a ceramics department. The first kiln Harding built was using plans that were obtained from Newcomb College. He scrounged parts from a junkyard which were used in its construction. This project was not totally successful because of problems reaching required temperatures. As usual this did not deter Harding. He seemed to have a wonderful ability to learn from failure and move on. In the early 1940's Harding began working with formulas for copper red glazes prepared by Arthur Baggs and Edgar Littlefield. This work only added to his interest in Oriental pottery and fostered a desire to rework many old glazes. Being greatly influenced by A Potters Book published in 1940 by Bernard Leach Harding was now on his way seeking to incorporate form, function and surface treatment into a single entity where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. In the 1950's Harding left the Witte and built his own studio where he spent the rest of his life creating his wonderful art. The body of his work is a living tribute to the Harding Black lifelong love of ceramics. Along with being a researcher he was also a teacher always willing to share his knowledge with others. He spent his life producing pots and occasionally taking time off to do a bit if fishing. According to Harding Black - Harding Black 11/14/90 "I am one of the lucky ones. When I get up in the morning I can hardly wait to get to work." 1912 Born April 15 near Aransas Pass, Texas 1916 Family moved to San Antonio 1929 Graduated from Breckenridge High School 1929-30 Attended San Antonio Junior College 1931 Joined Archaeological Society of the Witte Museum, San Antonio, and participated in excavations of ancient Basket maker Indian mounds and caves in the Big Bend area of Texas 1933 Taught by Rudolf Staffel to make wheel-thrown pottery. Set tip studio...
Category

1950s Modern Harding Black Art

Materials

Ceramic

"Mid Century / Industrial Bowl"
By Harding Black
Located in San Antonio, TX
Harding Black San Antonio,Texas (1912 - 2004) 1966 Bowl 7 3/4 inch diameter 2 1/2 inches tall Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Dated 1966 Beautiful piece by Master Potter/Glazer Harding Black. Very thick and heavy Biography Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Harding Black was born on a farm in Nueces County between Ingleside and Aransas Pass and moved with his family to San Antonio in 1916. There he graduated from Brackenridge High School and attended San Antonio Junior College (1929-30). In 1931 Black joined an archaeological expedition to the Big Bend area sponsored by the Witte Memorial Museum. Initially a painter, he was taught by Rudolph Staffel in 1933 to make wheel- thrown pottery and in the same year began to teach children's ceramic classes at the Witte. Between 1937 and 1939, Black directed ceramic installation in a San Antonio reconstruction project sponsored by the National Youth Administration and the Works Progress Administration art program. In 1955 he retired from teaching and devoted his time to ceramics. Black became a well-known ceramist from his research, innovations, and writings in the field. Exhibitions: San Antonio Local Artists Annual Exhibition (1939-42, 1945, 1947); Texas General Exhibition (1940 award, 1942, 1948 honorable mention); National Ceramic Annual Exhibition, Syracuse Museum of Art (1947-54); River Art Group, San Antonio (1948-49); National Collection of Fine Arts, Washington D.C. (1951, 1956); Dallas Museum of Fine Arts (1952 one-man); Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University (1991 one-man); San Antonio Museum of Art (1995 retrospective); National Museum of Art, Washington, D.C. (1995); University of Texas at Dallas, Irving (1998 retrospective). Collections: Dallas Museum of Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts; San Antonio Museum of Art; Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University, Waco; National Museum of American Art, Washington D.C.; New Orleans Museum of Art; Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, new York; Alfred University (New York). Harding Black resided in San Antonio Texas where he worked as a potter for over 60 years and far as anyone knows he was completely self taught. I find it amazing that anyone could ever accomplish what he did with with no formal training in either ceramics or chemistry. It was a long and prolific journey from the early hand built earthenware pottery to become recognized as a master of glazes. While I feel that his forms often could be better this is more than compensated for by the spectacular glazes he developed. Constant experimentation and his acquired knowledge of chemistry were the foundations for the wonderful glazes that adorn his pottery. The following quote is from an interview with Rudolf Staffel His copper reds are unbelievably beautiful. Harding was a master of glazes and one of the most generous human beings in the ceramic field that I've known. He had literally a room full of beautifully organized test tiles of all his glazes, and he would just throw the room open to anybody who wanted to rummage through his tiles. All the recipes were there and he shared them with anyone who was interested. It was wonderful to go and visit him. Although accurate records of all test firings were kept for reference it I have been told that it would be difficult to reproduce many of these glazes because of the kiln he built and clays he used. This may not be the case because in a recent phone conversation (4/11/2007) with Peter Pinnell he told me that some of his students had success replicating some glazes using Harding's formulas By concentrating on the bowl and vessel forms Harding remained true to the historical traditions of pottery making. The magnificent Harding Black journey began in 1932. At that time he joined the Witte Museum Archaeological Society which provided him with access to their collections of Native American pottery. Harding became fascinated by these pollychromed vessels and he began attempting to create hand built pots. He had very little or no success but a life long of working in clay had begun. It was about this time that he met up with Rudolf Staffel and it was from him that Harding learned wheel throwing and developed ideas of how to operate a studio. Harding was given access to working space at the Witte where he built a wheel and in 1933 he was given a position as ceramic instructor. In this position it was his responsibility to establish a ceramics department. The first kiln Harding built was using plans that were obtained from Newcomb College. He scrounged parts from a junkyard which were used in its construction. This project was not totally successful because of problems reaching required temperatures. As usual this did not deter Harding. He seemed to have a wonderful ability to learn from failure and move on. In the early 1940's Harding began working with formulas for copper red glazes prepared by Arthur Baggs and Edgar Littlefield. This work only added to his interest in Oriental pottery and fostered a desire to rework many old glazes. Being greatly influenced by A Potters Book published in 1940 by Bernard Leach Harding was now on his way seeking to incorporate form, function and surface treatment into a single entity where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. In the 1950's Harding left the Witte and built his own studio where he spent the rest of his life creating his wonderful art. The body of his work is a living tribute to the Harding Black lifelong love of ceramics. Along with being a researcher he was also a teacher always willing to share his knowledge with others. He spent his life producing pots and occasionally taking time off to do a bit if fishing. According to Harding Black - Harding Black 11/14/90 "I am one of the lucky ones. When I get up in the morning I can hardly wait to get to work." 1912 Born April 15 near Aransas Pass, Texas 1916 Family moved to San Antonio 1929 Graduated from Breckenridge High School 1929-30 Attended San Antonio Junior College 1931 Joined Archaeological Society of the Witte Museum, San Antonio, and participated in excavations of ancient Basket...
Category

1960s Modern Harding Black Art

Materials

Ceramic

"Art Pottery Vase" Extra Large for his work.
By Harding Black
Located in San Antonio, TX
Beautiful and exceptionally large for Master Potter Harding Black. Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) 18" Tall Dated 1984 One of Harding's most beautiful and largest vases. Biography Harding Black San Antonio (1912 - 2004) Harding Black was born on a farm in Nueces County between Ingleside and Aransas Pass and moved with his family to San Antonio in 1916. There he graduated from Brackenridge High School and attended San Antonio Junior College (1929-30). In 1931 Black joined an archaeological expedition to the Big Bend area sponsored by the Witte Memorial Museum. Initially a painter, he was taught by Rudolph Staffel in 1933 to make wheel- thrown pottery and in the same year began to teach children's ceramic classes at the Witte. Between 1937 and 1939, Black directed ceramic installation in a San Antonio reconstruction project sponsored by the National Youth Administration and the Works Progress Administration art program. In 1955 he retired from teaching and devoted his time to ceramics. Black became a well-known ceramist from his research, innovations, and writings in the field. Exhibitions: San Antonio Local Artists Annual Exhibition (1939-42, 1945, 1947); Texas General Exhibition (1940 award, 1942, 1948 honorable mention); National Ceramic Annual Exhibition, Syracuse Museum of Art (1947-54); River Art Group, San Antonio (1948-49); National Collection of Fine Arts, Washington D.C. (1951, 1956); Dallas Museum of Fine Arts (1952 one-man); Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University (1991 one-man); San Antonio Museum of Art (1995 retrospective); National Museum of Art, Washington, D.C. (1995); University of Texas at Dallas, Irving (1998 retrospective). Collections: Dallas Museum of Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts; San Antonio Museum of Art; Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University, Waco; National Museum of American Art, Washington D.C.; New Orleans Museum of Art; Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, new York; Alfred University (New York). Harding Black resided in San Antonio Texas where he worked as a potter for over 60 years and far as anyone knows he was completely self taught. I find it amazing that anyone could ever accomplish what he did with with no formal training in either ceramics or chemistry. It was a long and prolific journey from the early hand built earthenware pottery to become recognized as a master of glazes. While I feel that his forms often could be better this is more than compensated for by the spectacular glazes he developed. Constant experimentation and his acquired knowledge of chemistry were the foundations for the wonderful glazes that adorn his pottery. The following quote is from an interview with Rudolf Staffel His copper reds are unbelievably beautiful. Harding was a master of glazes and one of the most generous human beings in the ceramic field that I've known. He had literally a room full of beautifully organized test tiles of all his glazes, and he would just throw the room open to anybody who wanted to rummage through his tiles. All the recipes were there and he shared them with anyone who was interested. It was wonderful to go and visit him. Although accurate records of all test firings were kept for reference it I have been told that it would be difficult to reproduce many of these glazes because of the kiln he built and clays he used. This may not be the case because in a recent phone conversation (4/11/2007) with Peter Pinnell he told me that some of his students had success replicating some glazes using Harding's formulas By concentrating on the bowl and vessel forms Harding remained true to the historical traditions of pottery making. The magnificent Harding Black journey began in 1932. At that time he joined the Witte Museum Archaeological Society which provided him with access to their collections of Native American pottery. Harding became fascinated by these pollychromed vessels and he began attempting to create hand built pots. He had very little or no success but a life long of working in clay had begun. It was about this time that he met up with Rudolf Staffel and it was from him that Harding learned wheel throwing and developed ideas of how to operate a studio. Harding was given access to working space at the Witte where he built a wheel and in 1933 he was given a position as ceramic instructor. In this position it was his responsibility to establish a ceramics department. The first kiln Harding built was using plans that were obtained from Newcomb College. He scrounged parts from a junkyard which were used in its construction. This project was not totally successful because of problems reaching required temperatures. As usual this did not deter Harding. He seemed to have a wonderful ability to learn from failure and move on. In the early 1940's Harding began working with formulas for copper red glazes prepared by Arthur Baggs and Edgar Littlefield. This work only added to his interest in Oriental pottery and fostered a desire to rework many old glazes. Being greatly influenced by A Potters Book published in 1940 by Bernard Leach Harding was now on his way seeking to incorporate form, function and surface treatment into a single entity where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. In the 1950's Harding left the Witte and built his own studio where he spent the rest of his life creating his wonderful art. The body of his work is a living tribute to the Harding Black lifelong love of ceramics. Along with being a researcher he was also a teacher always willing to share his knowledge with others. He spent his life producing pots and occasionally taking time off to do a bit if fishing. According to Harding Black - Harding Black 11/14/90 "I am one of the lucky ones. When I get up in the morning I can hardly wait to get to work." 1912 Born April 15 near Aransas Pass, Texas 1916 Family moved to San Antonio 1929 Graduated from Breckenridge High School 1929-30 Attended San Antonio Junior College 1931 Joined Archaeological Society of the Witte Museum, San Antonio, and participated in excavations of ancient Basket...
Category

1980s Modern Harding Black Art

Materials

Ceramic

Harding Black art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Harding Black art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of orange and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Harding Black in ceramic and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the modern style. Not every interior allows for large Harding Black art, so small editions measuring 5 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Curtis Jeré, Gobardhan Ash, and Janez Bernik. Harding Black art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,670 and tops out at $2,200, while the average work can sell for $2,200.

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