Vessel by Beatrice Wood

Beatrice Wood (1893-1998) was an important contemporary artist, craftsperson, and writer. Her life ran the course of the 20th century and included many of the figures that shaped it. Ultimately, her genius was in the marriage of wide-ranging influences in her work. The spirit of Dadaism, the impact of Modernism, the embrace of Eastern philosophy, the influence of folk art, and even the ornament of ethnic jewelry could be found in her ceramics.

Eventually settling in Ojai, California, Wood developed a signature style of glazing, an all-over, in-glaze luster that draws the metallic salts to the surface of the glaze by starving the kiln of oxygen.

Throughout her life Beatrice Wood embraced a life that combined the wisdom of the East, positive thinking, a strong work ethic, a Dadaist sense of humor, and a romantic view of life. Her personal philosophy served her well, as she continued working in her studio to the age of 104. Beatrice Wood died nine days after her 105th birthday.

This small vessel has the colors of a bright orange sunset on a range of brown earth colors with an almost chalk-like surface. It measures 5.5 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide. The opening at the top measures 3/8 of an inch. The interior is not glazed.

It is signed on the bottom, "Beato" a nickname she preferred on her ceramics because it was easier to write on the bottom of a bowl or vessel.