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Peter Voulkos Abstract Sculptures

American, 1924-2002

Peter Voulkos was a West Coast sculptor known for incorporating an array of modernist influences into his ceramics practice. Widely acknowledged as the progenitor of a profound transformation in American ceramics known variously as American Clay Revolution or the California Clay Movement, Voulkos is considered the seminal figure in the development of contemporary ceramic art in America.

As both a working artist and educator, Voulkos was instrumental in unleashing a transformative wave of creativity in clay. As the originating force behind a novel, uniquely American movement in ceramics, Voulkos’ legacy and present-day influence on the medium cannot be overstated.

Voulkos studied painting and printmaking under the GI Bill at Montana State College after serving as an airplane gunner in the US Army in World War II. He soon discovered a passion for sculpture, graduating with an MFA in 1952.

An influential educator with a lengthy career at various institutions, Voulkos established the ceramics department at the Los Angeles County Art Institute (now the Otis College of Art and Design), where he taught from 1954–59, and at the University of California, Berkeley, where he taught from 1959 until his retirement in 1985. He also taught at Black Mountain College and the Archie Bray Foundation.

Voulkos toured universities throughout the United States conducting live ceramic workshops to audiences until his death. Notable students of his include Paul Soldner, John Mason, Ken Price, Billy Al Bengston, Ron Nagle, Stephen de Staebler and James Melchert.

Voulkos was the recipient of many awards throughout his career, including the Gold Medal at the International Exposition of Ceramics (1995, Cannes, France); the Rodin Museum Prize at the First Paris Biennale (1955, Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, France); a Guggenheim Fellowship (1984); a Distinguished Artist Award for Lifetime Achievement (1997, College Art Association); and honorary doctorates from four American art schools.

Artworks by Voulkos have been exhibited at major institutions around the world, including at the Museum of Modern Art (New York, NY); the Whitney Museum of American Art (New York, NY); the Museum of Art and Design (New York, NY); the Smithsonian Museum of American Art (Washington, D.C.); the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (Los Angeles, CA); the San Francisco Museum of Art (San Francisco, CA); the Seattle Art Museum (Seattle, WA); the American Craft Museum (New York, NY) and the National Museum of Modern Art (Tokyo, Japan).

Voulkos has artworks in in the permanent collections of many major international institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, NY); the Museum of Modern Art (New York, NY); the Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC); the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (Los Angeles, CA); the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Philadelphia, PA); the Museum of Fine Arts (Boston, MA); and many more.

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Artist: Peter Voulkos
Voulkos, Ceramic Sculptural bowl hand signed by renowned sculptor and ceramicist
Voulkos, Ceramic Sculptural bowl hand signed by renowned sculptor and ceramicist

Voulkos, Ceramic Sculptural bowl hand signed by renowned sculptor and ceramicist

By Peter Voulkos

Located in New York, NY

Peter Voulkos Ceramic Sculptural Dish, ca. 1985 Sculpted ceramic Hand-signed by artist, Incised signature on the base. 1.5 x 11.5 inches This charger plate by Voulkos features a Gree...

Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Peter Voulkos Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Glaze, Mixed Media

Plate CR952-W
Plate CR952-W

Plate CR952-W

By Peter Voulkos

Located in Kansas City, MO

Peter Voulkos Title: Plate CR952-W Medium: Woodfired ceramic Year: 1989 Signed and dated by the artist Size: approx. 20.5 x 5 inches A West Coast potter and sculptor, Peter Voulkos (1924-2002) led in the development of pottery as an art form. . With an MFA from California College of Arts and Crafts (1952), he taught at Black Mountain College (1953) where he was exposed to the avant-garde. In 1954, Voulkos moved to Los Angeles to become the chairman of a newly established ceramics department at the Los Angeles County Art Institute (later renamed the Otis Art Institute) and soon assembled a remarkable group of students: Paul Soldner, Jerry Rothman, Kenneth Price, John Mason, Henry Takemoto...

Category

1980s Post-Modern Peter Voulkos Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Plate CR1056-W
Plate CR1056-W

Plate CR1056-W

By Peter Voulkos

Located in Kansas City, MO

Peter Voulkos Title: Plate CR1056-W Medium: Woodfired ceramic Year: 1992 Signed and dated by the artist Size: approx. 24 x 4.5 inches A West Coast potter and sculptor, Peter Voulkos (1924-2002) led in the development of pottery as an art form. . With an MFA from California College of Arts and Crafts (1952), he taught at Black Mountain College (1953) where he was exposed to the avant-garde. In 1954, Voulkos moved to Los Angeles to become the chairman of a newly established ceramics department at the Los Angeles County Art Institute (later renamed the Otis Art Institute) and soon assembled a remarkable group of students: Paul Soldner, Jerry Rothman, Kenneth Price, John Mason, Henry Takemoto...

Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Peter Voulkos Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Plate 1329-W
Plate 1329-W

Plate 1329-W

By Peter Voulkos

Located in Kansas City, MO

Peter Voulkos Title: Plate 1329-W Medium: Woodfired ceramic Year: 1998 Signed and dated by the artist Size: approx. 20.5 x 21 x 5.25 inches A West Coast potter and sculptor, Peter V...

Category

1990s American Modern Peter Voulkos Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Plate CR1190-W
Plate CR1190-W

Plate CR1190-W

By Peter Voulkos

Located in Kansas City, MO

Peter Voulkos Title: Plate CR1190-W Medium: Woodfired ceramic Year: 1995 Signed and dated by the artist Size: approx. 19.5 x 20.5 x 5.75 inches A West Coast potter and sculptor, Peter Voulkos (1924-2002) led in the development of pottery as an art form. . With an MFA from California College of Arts and Crafts (1952), he taught at Black Mountain College (1953) where he was exposed to the avant-garde. In 1954, Voulkos moved to Los Angeles to become the chairman of a newly established ceramics department at the Los Angeles County Art Institute (later renamed the Otis Art Institute) and soon assembled a remarkable group of students: Paul Soldner, Jerry Rothman, Kenneth Price, John Mason, Henry...

Category

1990s Modern Peter Voulkos Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

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Previously Available Items
Clay Charger
Clay Charger

Clay Charger

By Peter Voulkos

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Claycharger, 1980 By Peter Voulkos (1924-2002) Diameter: 21" Height: 5" Signed and Dated on the Bottom Few artists can revolutionize an ancient medium, but Peter Voulkos did just th...

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20th Century Abstract Peter Voulkos Abstract Sculptures

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Untitled Charger (Gas Fired)
Untitled Charger (Gas Fired)

Untitled Charger (Gas Fired)

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Peter Voulkos Untitled Charger Gas Fired Year: 1973 Size: 20" diameter 4 1/2"deep Signed and dated by the artist A West Coast potter and sculptor, Peter Vou...

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Peter Voulkos abstract sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Peter Voulkos abstract sculptures available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Peter Voulkos in ceramic, glaze, mixed media and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Peter Voulkos abstract sculptures, so small editions measuring 21 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Varujan Boghosian, Liz Sweibel, and Louise Nevelson. Peter Voulkos abstract sculptures prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $7,500 and tops out at $40,000, while the average work can sell for $40,000.
Questions About Peter Voulkos Abstract Sculptures
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Peter Voulkos created large sculptures from clay, which he then cast in bronze. He was also known for creating intricate vases and plates. Shop a selection of Peter Voulkos pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    For his bronze-casted work, Peter Voulkos used the assemblage technique to create a sort of 3-D collage. He would also gouge and pinch his ceramic works to manipulate their traditional shape. On 1stDibs, you can shop a selection of Peter Voulkos pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers from the comfort of your home.