Beatrice Wood 

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Beatrice Wood (1893-1998) lived an extraordinary life as a ceramic artist, writer, and actress that spanned nearly a century. We offer a free appraisal for all items consigned to our modern design auctions. 

Beatrice Wood Overview

 

Hailing from San Francisco, Beatrice Wood's journey into ceramics began later in life after a successful stint in the arts and a serendipitous encounter with the renowned potters Gertrude and Otto Natzler, sparking her passion for pottery.

Wood approached ceramics with a playful and unconventional spirit, often tinkering with glazes, forms, and firing techniques to create pieces brimming with vibrancy and charm. Her work was a celebration of beauty and the transformative essence of art.

A significant figure in the American Studio Pottery movement, Wood, alongside artists like Peter Voulkos and Paul Soldner, reshaped the perception of pottery, lifting it from craft to fine art. Her influence inspired countless ceramicists and helped establish ceramics as a revered artistic medium in the United States.

Beyond her ceramic artistry, Wood was a prolific writer and a vocal advocate for embracing life's richness. Her autobiography, "I Shock Myself," penned in her nineties, paints a vivid picture of her colorful life and offers profound insights into her artistic philosophy and outlook on life.

Throughout her illustrious career, Beatrice Wood fearlessly pushed boundaries in both her art and personal life, leaving an indelible mark as a trailblazer. Her legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration for artists and art enthusiasts worldwide, underscoring the enduring impact of creativity, resilience, and the pursuit of beauty.


Meet the Expert


James Spiridion

Auctioneer and valuer specialising in Modern Design. James has recently returned to the North West after spending the last few years as a valuer in Scotland, during that time James also featured on Paul Martin's Auction Showdown for Channel 5 as a 'Rival Auctioneer'.

Email: james.spiridion@wilson55.com  


 

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