Karen Karnes, "Coffee Set" c. 1950. Stoneware, 8.63 x 8.25 x 6.75 in. (coffee pot). Kamm Collection 2005.94. "[Karen Karnes] was a towering figure of the postwar studio pottery movement, pioneering salt-glazing in the 1960s and wood-firing in the 1980s. Her work opened undreamed of possibilities of expression for the handmade pot. For the many potters [...]
Paul Revere, Jr., "Drum Form Teapot" c. 1782. Silver, wood, 6.38 x 9 x 4.25 in. Kamm Collection 2013.19. Photo: Christie's. “During [Paul Revere’s] protracted life, his activity in business and benevolence, the vigor of his mind, and strength of his constitution were unabated...Seldom has the tomb closed upon a life so honorable and useful.”[i] [...]
"Homage to a Teapot" 2012. Cast glass, dye, 15.25 x 15.25 x 6.5 in. Kamm Collection 2012.111. Photo: John Littleton. “…Our ideas are generated by the flow of making and our shared curiosity and wonder of the world (and people) around us...”[i] – John Littleton & Kate Vogel For artists John Littleton (American, b. 1957) [...]
"Oh Eleanor" 2012. Fruit peel, 30.75 x 28.25 x 13 in. Photo: David H. Ramsey. Fiber artist Jan Hopkins (American, b. 1955) has garnered a great deal of attention for her intricate baskets, teapots, and torso sculptures that utilize organic alternative materials. Using items such as fruit peels, seed pods, and fish skins, she creates [...]
Wendell Castle, "Aeolus" 2010. Bleached mahogany, 38.5 x 43 x 26.5 in. Kamm Collection 2010.68. Photo: Jon Lam, courtesy Barry Friedman Ltd. “Art is omnifarious. It appropriates all forms and assimilates all materials. The results should be a paradox…”[i] -Wendell Castle, 2016 Wendell Castle (American, 1932-2018) has been described as a pioneer, a master craftsman, [...]
"Teapot and Warmer (Journeyman's Piece)" 1944. Sterling silver, rosewood, 9.5 x 8.5 x 5 in. Kamm Collection 2011.59. Photo: Walter Colley. Silversmith Hans Christensen (Danish, 1924-1983) left an indelible impact on the field of metalwork in the United States. In the latter portion of the twentieth century his influence was felt not only in the [...]
Jan Schwab Huling (American, b. 1953), "Pothead" 2012. Glass seed beads, resin core, found objects, 19.25 x 13.25 x 7.5 in. Kamm Collection 2012.57.17. Photo: David H. Ramsey. "Pothead" alternative view. The butterfly on deer's hip is three-dimensional. “With each new row of beads, I more clearly see the personality of the piece emerging and [...]
"Dragon Teapot" 1980. Luster glazed earthenware, 7.75 x 12.5 x 5.75 in. Kamm Collection 1988.1. Photo: Tony Cunha. “Beatrice Wood combines her colors like a painter, makes them vibrate like a musician. They have strength even while iridescent and transparent. They have the rhythm and luster both of jewels and human eyes. Water poured from [...]
John Prip (American, 1922-2009), "Experimental Teapot" ca. 1979. Sterling silver, 6.13 x 10.25 x 4.38 in. Kamm Collection 2017.19. Photo: David H. Ramsey. “…John Prip has set the standards of excellence in American metalsmithing…As an artist, he has stretched the horizons of the field. As a teacher, he has shared the results of his experiments [...]
Erik Magnussen (Danish, 1884-1961) / Gorham Manufacturing Co. (Providence RI, 1831-). “Cubic Coffee Service” 1927. Sterling silver with patinated and gilt decoration, ivory, 9.5 x 21.5 x 13.38 in. Collection of RISD Museum, Providence RI. 1991.126.488. Photo: RISD Museum. When we discovered Cubism, we did not have the aim to discover Cubism. We only wanted [...]
