David Cressey

American
(1946–2013)

Bottle
1956

16.25 x 5 x 5 in.

Made after the completion of his Master’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles David Cressey’s Bottle characterizes his playful experimentation with form and decoration, which was innate in his later practice. The large, wheel-thrown form has been gently stretched into a softly bellied cylinder, flowing up to the classic bottle neck which could be corked or stoppered. Composed of a dark stoneware clay body with layers of white slip painted onto the surface, the heavily stylized, organic shapes compliment and exaggerate the lines of the form itself. This technique later evolved into the textured surfaces which are more typical of David Cressey’s famous pieces from the 60’s and 70’s.

Born in Los Angeles, California, on February 21, 1916, Cressey was a multidisciplinary artist known for his painting, ceramic and sculptural works. He served as a member of the U.S. Army in the South Pacific from 1943 to 1946, after which he sought a different path and pursued a career as an artist. Cressey received both his Bachelor of Art and Master of Fine Art degrees from University of Calfornia, Los Angeles. and remained there for several years as a teacher and studio technician. He also taught at Utah State University, California State College, Long Beach, as well as Mount St. Mary’s College where he became Chairman of the Art Department.

Ayla Murray

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This object has the following keywords:

• gray

This object was included in the following exhibitions:

• Ceramic Case 5: Utah Ceramic Teachers (left) & USU Visiting Artists (right) , 8/17/2012 - 10/16/2013
• Unearthed , 8/23/2022 - 5/14/2023

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