Joel Edwards (aka Joel Edward Epstein)

American
(1924–2018)

Jar
circa 1981

12.5 x 7.5 x 7.5 in. (31.75 x 19.05 x 19.05 cm)

Known for producing work in a wide variety of forms, Joel Edwards signature style is found in the decorative surfaces of his functional and monumental ceramic work. Jar is a wheel thrown stoneware vessel with a slightly narrowed foot that gently curves into the cylindrical body. The upper rim of the main body, the foot and the lid are glazed in a rich satin black, while the center of the of the main body is glazed a satin cream color with swirled motifs of brown. A relatively unique aspect to this piece is the manner in which Edwards chose to echo the negative space created by the handle of the lid in the flowing brushwork of the decorative panel; unifying the form and surface of the vessel.

Born in 1923, Edwards was an American postwar and contemporary ceramic artist who studied at the Brooklyn Museum School in Brooklyn, New York as well as at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, California. Due to the influence of such mentors as Shoji Hamada, Peter Voulkos, and Marguerite Wildenhain, Edwards was equally well known for his functional tableware and monumental works with intricate surfaces of abstract floral sprigs, sgraffito and brush work. These rich surface were often inspired by Abstract Expressionism and his functional forms were frequently used as ‘Ikebana ware’ for Japanese floral arrangements.

Ayla Murray

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This object has the following keywords:

• black

This object was included in the following exhibitions:

• Unearthed , 8/23/2022 - 5/14/2023

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