Wall Pockets by Barbara Willis - Set of 2

Barbara Willis (1917-2011) was a Southern Californian ceramic artist.

She studied at UCLA with ceramicist Laura Andreson where she learned techniques and processes which resulted in crackle glazes and the intense colors of turquoise, citron, and a deep Chinese red; a surface and palette which came to define her work and an era of Southern California pottery.

Willis was known for adapting studio techniques to commercial pottery, using molds to mass-produce simple geometric wares with a hand-made look. Her signature Terrene ("of the earth") Pottery produced streamlined art ware, including vases, platters, bowls, figurines, ashtrays, and kitchenware. Her work was carried by design studios and department stores throughout California. Willis estimated she produced more than 250,000 pieces prior to closing her studio in 1958.

She retired at the age of 92. Collectors avidly seek her work and history considers her to be a significant contributor to the California movement of modernist ceramic artists.

Each of these jade-colored half-circle wall pockets measures 4.75 x 2.75 x 5.25 inches. The interiors are fully glazed and the bottom has a matt surface with horizontal markings inscribed front to back. There is a 3/16" hole in the middle of the back for hanging. 

Part of California Modern: The Bill Stern Collection.