Esoteric Survey

  This past weekend AMOCA hosted a Panel discussion as part of the  Architectural Pottery: Ceramics for a Modern Landscape exhibition. It was a packed house. Someone from the museum said it was the most people they've had for an event like this. The first panel included three people who were personally connected to the Architectural Pottery.  Jo Lauria on the far left curated the exhibition and moderated the talk. To her right is Lee Whitten, then Marilyn Kay Austin in the middle and Damon Lawrence is on the right. Lee Whitten earned a master's degree in 1964 at UCLA under Laura Andreson and Bernie Kester. His first job in ceramics was at Architectural Pottery working under David Cressey. He was recommended to David by Andreson. This photo is a planter Cressey let Lee buy for $1.50, his hourly wage at the time. Lee said he liked the process of pushing the clay out from the interior of the form. Earth Cells were another favorite of his.  Although he was only at ...

Discovering Saar Ceramics Curated by Jo Lauria, AMOCA Adjunct Curator Richard Saar  (1924 – 2004) To be honest, although I know I've seen Saar's work around, it never really registered with me. The only Saar I was familiar with was his ex-wife Betye Saar. They were married from 1952-70.  After serving in the Coast Guard in World War II, Richard moved to Los Angeles to finish his arts education. In 1949 he started a ceramics business will his brother William. It operated until 1962. This exhibition includes an overview of his work. Source:  Richard Saar   Early studio production. Most of the output by Saar Ceramics consisted of production slipware from molds, cast from handmade originals. The ephemera wall I know you saw that lantern hanging back there. In the late 1940's Richard went to school with Malcolm Leland at  Jepson Art Institute in Los Angeles. Richard was also associated ...

Public Work: Lines of Desire, at the Architecture and Design Museum in Los Angeles explores Peter Shire’s public and private architectural commissions. It was curated by Jo Lauria. Early 80s Model for a project in Elysian Park The selected design for Elysian Park Here's the full scale version at Angel's Point, Elysian Park. That's Downtown LA in the background. Mr. Chubs must think he deserves some credit as well. I'm not sure if this was some sort of a joke, but there was a very functional looking teapot hiding under a neighboring tree.

Eudorah M. Moore: The Journey of a Visionary  September 7 - October 26, 2013 Craft in America Center, curated by Jo Lauria  Eudorah Moore (1918-2003) Eudorah Moore  was the curator and director of the California Design exhibitions at the Pasadena Art Museum from 1962 to 1976.  She took over the program with CA Design 8.  Not only did she expand the exhibitions to include some mind blowing craft but the production of the program was also taken to a whole new level with those amazing art-directed hardcover catalogs.  Her impact on the craft movement was not limited to California Design.  She also lead exhibitions on topics such as Appalachian crafts, worked at the NEA and was an all around leader in her field. The exhibition, curated by  Jo Lauria , uses objects, ephemera, videos and photos to document Moore's lifelong legacy and commitment to the world of craft--California and beyond. At the opening...