Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11

John Glick
Magnificent John Glick Plum Street Pottery "Scalloped Box" Glazed Stoneware

1970s

About the Item

This magnificent "Scalloped Box" is a stoneware piece with decorative layers of rich toned glazes and markings that John was so well-known for. He was, also, known for the undulating lip lines on his exquisite boxes that fit together like a puzzle. Each piece that John produced was unique. He was seduced by the effects of the reduction kiln, which decreased the levels of oxygen during firing, inducing the flame to pull oxygen out of the clay and glazes thereby changing the colors of the glazes depending on their iron and copper content. In this way he achieved the rich gradients of ochre and umber and variations in stippling and opacity. This piece is signed and stamped on the bottom. John was an American Abstract Expressionist ceramicist born in Detroit, MI. Though open to artistic experimentation, Glick was most influenced by the styles and aesthetics of Asian pottery—an inspiration that shows in his use of decorative patterns and glaze choices. He has said that he is attracted to simplicity, as well as complexity: my work continually reflects my re-examination that these two poles can coexist… or not, in a given series. Glick also took influences from master potters of Japan, notably Shoji Hamada and Kanjrio Kawai, blending their gestural embellishments of simple forms with attitudes of Abstract Expressionism. He was particularly drown to the work of Helen Frankenthaler whose soak-stain style resonated with Glick’s multi-layered glaze surfaces, which juxtaposed veils of atmospheric color with gestural marks and pattern. He spent countless hours developing and making his own tools in order to achieve previously unseen results in his work with clay and glaze. Glick’s “Plum Tree Pottery” (now a designated historic landmark in Farmington Hills, Michigan) studio opened around 1965 and closed in the summer of 2016. It was a private studio space for John and a number of his students and assistants. He believed his shapes evolved guided by forces apparently outside his control. This was instinctual, intellectual and due to his openness to change, fusing into what he thought was the most positive force behind a potter’s approach: evolution and growth. Some have called it inspiration. John was not only a major figure in the Detroit creative community, but in the ceramics world at large. According to Shelley Selim in her book on John, “John Glick: A Legacy in Clay” John remains: “one of the most recognizable names in the field of studio pottery – known for lecturing, publishing, and offering workshops widely – and his work has been featured in well over a hundred local, national and international exhibitions since he was a college student in the late 1950s.” Along with this John has mentored over thirty studio apprentices over five and a half decades, received numerous grants and awards for his work, and has been prolific, with an estimated 300,000 ceramic wares throughout the world. He received his Masters from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, working with Maija Grotell, a legendary and influential teacher. Grotell was noted for her deep interest in the human connection to nature’s rhythms and patters. These ideas often grounded her dialog with her students including Glick, affecting, a profund and lasting influence on his future work. This famous Art Academy was designed by architect and faculty member, Eliel Saarinen who collaborated with Charles and Ray Eames on chair and furniture design. Numerous creative artists who are alumni of Cranbrook include: Harry Bertoia, Florence Knoll, Jack Lenor Larsen, Donald Lipski, Duane Hanson, Nick Cave, Hani Rashid, George Nelson, Urban Jupena (Nationally recognized fiber artist), Artis Lane (the first African-American artist to have her sculpture, "Sojourner Truth," commissioned for the Emancipation Hall in the Capital Visitor Center in Washington DC), Cory Puhlman (televised Pastry Chef extraordinaire), Thom O’Connor (Lithographs), Paul Evans (Brutalist-inspired sculpted metal furnishings), Eugene Caples (small bronze images/abstract), Morris Brose (Bronze Sculptures), Herb Babcock (blown glass), Larry Butcher (mixed media) and Lauren Anais Hussey (Abstract). Glick’s work can be found in private and public collections in Michigan at The Cranbrook Museum of Art, The Detroit Institute of Arts, The Flint Institute of Arts, Wayne State University and University of Michigan, in addition to major museums across the U.S. and Internationally.
  • Creator:
    John Glick
  • Creation Year:
    1970s
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 3.75 in (9.53 cm)Width: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)Depth: 8 in (20.32 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Detroit, MI
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU128617297192

More From This Seller

View All
Breathtaking John Glick "Scalloped Basket" Glazed Stoneware Reduction Fired
Located in Detroit, MI
"Scalloped Basket" is a stoneware piece with the decorative layer of the rich toned glazes and markings that John was so well-known for. He was, also, known for the undulating lip lines on his exquisite pieces. The basket portion is shaped with gentle curves and a sculptural handle. Each piece that John produced was unique. He was seduced by the effects of the reduction kiln, which decreased the levels of oxygen during firing, inducing the flame to pull oxygen out of the clay and glazes changing the colors of the glazes depending on their iron and copper content. In this way he achieved the rich gradients of ochre and umber and variations in stippling and opacity. This particular "basket" also has the cool blues and grays that contrast with the umber. It is signed and stamped on the bottom. John was an American Abstract Expressionist ceramicist born in Detroit, MI. Though open to artistic experimentation, Glick was most influenced by the styles and aesthetics of Asian pottery—an inspiration that shows in his use of decorative patterns and glaze choices. He has said that he is attracted to simplicity, as well as complexity: my work continually reflects my re-examination that these two poles can coexist… or not, in a given series. Glick also took influences from master potters of Japan, notably Shoji Hamada and Kanjrio Kawai, blending their gestural embellishments of simple forms with attitudes of Abstract Expressionism. He was particularly drown to the work of Helen Frankenthaler whose soak-stain style resonated with Glick’s multi-layered glaze surfaces, which juxtaposed veils of atmospheric color with gestural marks and pattern. He spent countless hours developing and making his own tools in order to achieve previously unseen results in his work with clay and glaze. Glick’s “Plum Tree Pottery...
Category

1970s American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware, Glaze

John Glick Plum Street Pottery Glazed Bowl Reduction Fired
Located in Detroit, MI
"Untitled" is a stoneware piece with the decorative layer of the rich toned glazes and markings that John was so well-known for. Each piece that John produced was unique. The lip on this piece is slightly scalloped and the shape is removed from the boring circular to mimic a gentle geometric design. He was seduced by the effects of the reduction kiln, which decreased the levels of oxygen during firing, inducing the flame to pull oxygen out of the clay and glazes changing the colors of the glazes depending on their iron and copper content. In this way he achieved the rich gradients of ochre and umber and variations in stippling and opacity. This piece is signed and stamped on the bottom. John was an American Abstract Expressionist ceramicist born in Detroit, MI. Though open to artistic experimentation, Glick was most influenced by the styles and aesthetics of Asian pottery—an inspiration that shows in his use of decorative patterns and glaze choices. He has said that he is attracted to simplicity, as well as complexity: my work continually reflects my re-examination that these two poles can coexist… or not, in a given series. Glick also took influences from master potters of Japan, notably Shoji Hamada and Kanjrio Kawai, blending their gestural embellishments of simple forms with attitudes of Abstract Expressionism. He was particularly drown to the work of Helen Frankenthaler whose soak-stain style resonated with Glick’s multi-layered glaze surfaces, which juxtaposed veils of atmospheric color with gestural marks and pattern. He spent countless hours developing and making his own tools in order to achieve previously unseen results in his work with clay and glaze. Glick’s “Plum Tree Pottery...
Category

1970s American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware, Glaze

"Ceramic Box with Lid" Stoneware Cream Glaze w/ Organic Attachments
By Gawaine Dart
Located in Detroit, MI
ONE WEEK ONLY SALE The rich tones of the stoneware clay come through the soft creamy glaze that drips over the surface like melted vanilla ice cream over red devil cake. There are i...
Category

1980s More Art

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware, Glaze

Eugene Caples "Bronze Sculpture I" Abstract Bronze Sculpture
By Eugene Caples
Located in Detroit, MI
This small exquisite "Bronze Sculpture I" is in excellent condition and a perfect example of Eugene Caples craftsmanship. Although it is mainly abstract, there are bits that look figurative either an arm or a leg attempting to emerge from a fold or attempting to hold a pose such as in yoga. It cries out to be touched and held, looked at and caressed. The beautiful patina on the surface gives voice to the many hands that have done these things. Eugene Caples is a designer and craftsman who worked in Kansas City in the 1960s and later through the early 21st century. He attended the Kansas City Art Institute, earning his Bachelors of Fine Arts in Industrial Design in 1959. In 1963 he was accepted to Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The Cranbrook Academy of Art was designed by architect and faculty member, Eliel Saarinen who collaborated with Charles and Ray Eames on chair and furniture design. Numerous creative artists are alumni of Cranbrook and include: Harry Bertoia, Florence Knoll, Jack Lenor Larsen, Donald Lipski, Duane Hanson, Nick Cave, Hani Rashid, George Nelson, Urban Jupena (Nationally recognized fiber artist), Artis Lane (the first African-American artist to have her sculpture, "Sojourner Truth," commissioned for the Emancipation Hall in the Capital Visitor Center in Washington DC), Cory Puhlman (televised Pastry Chef extraordinaire), Thom O’Connor (Lithographs), and Paul Evans (Created Brutalist-inspired sculpted metal furnishings.) Gene worked...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Eugene Caples "Bronze Sculpture II" Abstract Bronze Sculpture
By Eugene Caples
Located in Detroit, MI
This small exquisite "Bronze Sculpture II" is in excellent condition and a perfect example of Eugene Caples craftsmanship. This is mainly abstract with some graphic or architectural elements and is so delightful that mythical creatures demand to be considered. It cries out to be touched and held, looked at and caressed. The beautiful patina on the surface gives voice to the many hands that have done these things. Eugene Caples is a designer and craftsman who worked in Kansas City in the 1960s and later through the early 21st century. He attended the Kansas City Art Institute, earning his Bachelors of Fine Arts in Industrial Design in 1959. In 1963 he was accepted to Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The Cranbrook Academy of Art was designed by architect and faculty member, Eliel Saarinen who collaborated with Charles and Ray Eames on chair and furniture design. Numerous creative artists are alumni of Cranbrook and include: Harry Bertoia, Florence Knoll, Jack Lenor Larsen, Donald...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

John Albert Murphy Porcelain "Dark Days Ahead" Sculptural Nested Bowls
Located in Detroit, MI
"Dark Days Ahead" is in fact a glorious paper-thin porcelain sculpture with fluted sides. The "two bowls and one ball" are nestled and permanently fixed. The black and white linear design to the porcelain is relieved by the movement of the fluted sides of the "bowls." This complex design is both light and airy while being visually weighted by the innermost "ball" being covered in a silver glaze suggesting heavy stainless steel. The ceramic piece is slip cast porcelain, masking tape stenciled and glazed in the style of abstract expressionism, specifically Pointillism.  It was fired in oxidation at 2230 degrees Fahrenheit.  The sphere in the center has luster glaze. John Albert Murphy...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Assemblage Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain, Glaze

You May Also Like

Brown 10 Petal Plate
By Rachel Hubbard Kline
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rachel Hubbard Kline Brown 10 Petal Plate Medium: Stoneware, underglaze, glaze Year: 2021 Size: 1 1/4" x 7 3/4" x 7 3/4" Description: Wheel-thrown plate wi...
Category

2010s American Modern More Art

Materials

Stoneware, Glaze, Underglaze

Twelve Pattern Plate
By Rachel Hubbard Kline
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rachel Hubbard Kline Twelve Pattern Plate Medium: Stoneware, underglaze, glaze Year: 2021 Size: 1 1/2" x 8" x 8" Description: Wheel-thrown plate with hand-painted textile pattern -...
Category

2010s American Modern More Art

Materials

Glaze, Underglaze, Stoneware

Untitled Slab with Colored Tears (#891)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Jim Leedy Untitled Slab with Colored Tears (#891) Raku-Fired Stoneware 1989 Approx. 20 in in diameter COA provided Comes with original papers Ref.: #891 Ref...
Category

1980s American Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware, Glaze

Untitled Sphere (multi-color)
By Carol Fleming
Located in Kansas City, MO
Carol Fleming Untitled Sphere (multi-color) Medium: Ceramic, glaze Year: 2020 Size: 12" diameter COA provided ----------------------- Creating is the best and deepest part of me, t...
Category

2010s American Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Glaze

Particle VIII (Eight)
By Brady McLearen
Located in Kansas City, MO
Particle VIII (Eight) Materials: Ceramic, glaze Year: 2016 The formal languages and frequencies that we find in the natural existence of the universe inform and inspire the investig...
Category

2010s American Modern More Art

Materials

Ceramic, Glaze

Platter
Located in Kansas City, MO
Artist : Arnie Zimmerman Title : Platter Materials : Stoneware, glaze Date : 1982 Dimensions : 22.75" x 23.5" x 4.5" Description : Hand-signed and dated o...
Category

1980s Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Glaze, Stoneware

Recently Viewed

View All