Three-Dimensional Folk Art - Stoneware and Ceramics
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Image 1Kirkparick PotteryAnna, Illinois (1859-1900)vase, undatedstoneware
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People have been creating pottery for most of human existence. Earthenware, pottery made from clay and fired at relatively low temperatures, was essential for the survival of ancient civilizations. Stoneware, originating in China, was an important innovation. Because stoneware is fired in a kiln at higher temperatures and usually glazed, it is able to hold liquids and keep food fresh longer than earthenware. The history of pottery in the Americas is long. Native peoples used earthenware in their day-to-day lives for thousands of years. European settlers brought elegant ceramics to America from their home countries, and produced basic utilitarian pieces at home or in local potteries. By the early 1800s, American potters began to produce decorated stoneware, made out of fine white clay. One of the firms that produced the most interesting work was that of the Kirkpatrick brothers, who were based in Anna, Illinois (Image 1). Anna PotteryCornwall and Wallace Kirkpatrick produced some of the most unusual and interesting stoneware found in the United States. Learning the potter’s trade from their father, the Kirkpatrick brothers founded Anna Pottery in 1859. The brothers located their firm in Anna because of the high quality clay deposits in that part of southern Illinois. They took advantage of a local railroad to ship their wares throughout the Midwest and beyond. The brothers produced a variety of utilitarian wares as well as novelty pieces that reflected their personal and political interests (Image 2). Fantastical creations include frog inkwells, cups with surprises at the bottom to startle the drinker, pig flasks, and jugs covered in snakes. The brothers gave or sold these whimsical and controversial items to politicians, liquor manufacturers, tavern owners and fair-goers throughout the country. This jug may provide evidence of the brothers’ support of the Temperance Movement. On one side, a well-dressed young man is crawling inside to drink (Image 3). His ghastly face emerges of the opposite side, attacked by snakes (Image 4). It is impossible to know, however, if the brothers truly supported banishing alcohol, or if jugs such as this one were made to poke good-natured fun at the perils of drinking. This pig flask (Image 5), created by Cornwall Kirkpatrick, was used to express the artist’s anger against Chicago’s domination of Illinois politics and the legislature in Springfield. It is covered with various bitter statements, and urges that Peoria should become the capitol of the state. Discussion Questions:Talk about texture:Talk about history of the era:Talk about meaning:Related Activity Idea:Additive Clay Sculpture |
