The Mad Potter of Biloxi

November 11, 2005 6:31 AM

The Mad Potter of Biloxi: with his 18-inch mustache, his technical expertise, his wildly altered pots, and his command of glazing, George Ohr was America's first art potter. Smithsonian Magazine article here (full pdf link at bottom of page). Left-handed tea pot. Vase.
posted by OmieWise (11 comments total)

The Ohr-O'Keefe museum in Biloxi, designed by Frank Gehry, was, of course, damaged by Katrina.
posted by OmieWise at 6:31 AM on November 11, 2005

I held an Ohr piece in my hands some years ago. It was so light, it felt like it was going to float out of my hands.
posted by mania at 6:56 AM on November 11, 2005

If that's a left-handed teapot, why is the handle on the right-hand side? That's just careless.

Gorgeous work. It has the same sort of oily sheen that convinces you that snakes are slimy.
posted by NinjaPirate at 7:05 AM on November 11, 2005

Look at the mouth of the teapot, NinjaPirate.
posted by sciurus at 7:37 AM on November 11, 2005

(thanks, but it was mere japery - i see it fell flat)
posted by NinjaPirate at 8:30 AM on November 11, 2005

Terrifc post OmieWise, as usual. Ohr's work is lovely. Hmmm...maybe lovely isn't the word I'm looking for here. Striking. His pieces are striking.
posted by LeeJay at 8:42 AM on November 11, 2005

For those interested in pottery: Warren Mackenzie who was a student of Bernard Leach is a local potter (in Stillwater, MN) who has some really great pieces.
The cool thing about Mackenzie is that his gallery is unattended; he puts the prices out for each piece and leaves a basket out for money. Really cheap prices, too!
posted by Tacitus at 9:18 AM on November 11, 2005

mania writes "I held an Ohr piece in my hands some years ago. It was so light, it felt like it was going to float out of my hands."

Yeah, looking at the stuff I can't believe how thin he pulled those walls!

Tacitus-I knew Leach, of course, but thanks for the Mackenzie links. I really like his faceted style.
posted by OmieWise at 10:54 AM on November 11, 2005

is it just me or is was that guy fucking ripped. He could pot your ass right out his shop if you gave him shit...
posted by stilgar at 11:04 AM on November 11, 2005

OmieWise - One of my profs at college was a student of Mackenzie and since he (Mackenzie) worked close by we all went to his studio. It was very inspiring; here's a picture that's similar to a plate I saw which was glazed in a base coat of white with black splatters and lines. The one I saw was about 18" diameter; he threw it in about 8 seconds. Amazing.
posted by Tacitus at 3:13 PM on November 11, 2005

Thanks for the post, OmieWise.
posted by dhruva at 9:06 PM on November 11, 2005