David Pendell

American, b. 1944

Mountain Icon
1988

Earthenware
10.75 x 13.5 x 13.5 in.
Gift of the Nora Eccles Treadwell Foundation
1988.155

In the history of art, the word “icon” often refers to an image or object that stands in for larger ideas or themes, often of a religious or spiritual nature. In many religious traditions from around the world, mountains have been sacred sites of great significance. Pendell combines these traditions in his deconstruction of the form of the teapot, but does so from a deeply contemporary perspective. This handbuilt sculptural teapot defies functionality. The form’s jagged, roughly hewed body is at odds with the smooth curves and bold colors of the spout and handle, creating a playful dichotomy.

Born in Pasadena, California, David Pendell received training in both the vessel tradition and ceramic sculpture. He received an associate of arts degree in 1965 from Pasadena City College and attended California State University, Long Beach, for his BA in 1970 and MA in 1972. He briefly taught at San Diego State University before being hired as a professor of ceramics at the University of Utah in 1977.

Matthew Limb

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This object has the following keywords:

• mountain
• pillows - Bags or similar containers typically made of cloth that are filled with feathers, down, sponge, or other soft materials and which are used to support the head during sleep or rest.
• Stone

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
• Collecting on the Edge - Ceramics Intermountain West , 9/15/2018 - 5/4/2019
• 43 Teapots and One Mug , 12/7/2021 - 7/14/2022
• Unearthed , 8/23/2022 - 5/14/2023

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