Kenneth Price, American painter and sculptor (d. 2012)

Kenneth Price: Pioneering American Ceramic Sculptor

Kenneth Price (February 16, 1935 – February 24, 2012) was a highly influential American artist renowned for his innovative and distinctive ceramic sculptures. Widely recognized for pushing the boundaries of the medium, Price transformed fired clay into complex, abstract forms that challenged traditional notions of pottery and sculpture, elevating ceramics to fine art status. His meticulous craftsmanship and unique surface treatments became hallmarks of his enduring legacy in contemporary art.

A Foundation in Art Education and Mentorship

Price's extensive artistic journey began with a robust academic foundation. He honed his skills at several prestigious institutions across the United States, which collectively shaped his experimental approach to art. His studies included significant periods at the Chouinard Art Institute and the Otis Art Institute (now known as Otis College of Art and Design) in Los Angeles. These institutions were at the heart of a burgeoning West Coast art scene, known for its experimental spirit and a groundbreaking shift in ceramic art.

In 1956, Price earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from the University of Southern California. He furthered his education at the Chouinard Art Institute in 1957 before pursuing an advanced degree, receiving his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in 1959 from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Alfred University held (and continues to hold) a sterling reputation as one of the leading centers for ceramic education globally, offering a rigorous program that combined technical mastery with conceptual exploration.

A pivotal period in Price's early development was his time at Otis, where he studied ceramics under the legendary Peter Voulkos. Voulkos is widely credited with instigating a "revolution in clay," challenging the functional traditions of pottery by introducing Abstract Expressionist principles to the medium. This mentorship profoundly influenced Price, encouraging him to embrace spontaneity, sculptural form, and a departure from conventional ceramic aesthetics. Further demonstrating his artistic versatility, Price was also awarded a Tamarind Fellowship, an esteemed opportunity that provided artists with the chance to collaborate with master printers at the Tamarind Lithography Workshop, expanding his experience into the realm of printmaking and underscoring his diverse artistic interests beyond clay.

Signature Style: Abstract Forms and Layered Color

Kenneth Price is perhaps best known for his captivating, often intimate-scaled, abstract shapes constructed from fired clay. These organic or sometimes geometric forms possess a remarkable presence, frequently evoking natural phenomena, anatomical references, or even imagined alien landscapes.

His innovative approach to surface treatment is a defining characteristic of his work. Rather than relying on traditional ceramic glazes, Price meticulously treated his sculptures with multiple, opaque layers of bright acrylic paint. This labor-intensive process involved building up vibrant colors, which he would then carefully sand down. This unique technique revealed the intricate strata of colors beneath, creating a "skin" effect that was both painterly and sculptural. The resulting surfaces are extraordinarily rich and complex, inviting close examination and highlighting his profound understanding of color, light, and form. This departure from conventional glazing techniques underscored his desire to bridge the gap between painting and sculpture, allowing color to be an integral, rather than merely decorative, element of his three-dimensional forms.

Inspiration from Varied Landscapes

Throughout his career, Ken Price drew significant inspiration from his diverse living and working environments. He maintained studios and homes in both Venice, California, and Taos, New Mexico. The vibrant light, laid-back atmosphere, and surf culture of Venice, California, particularly in the 1960s and 70s, undoubtedly infused his work with a certain Californian sensibility. Later, the stark, majestic landscapes and unique cultural heritage of Taos, New Mexico, provided a contrasting yet equally profound source of inspiration. The desert's muted tones, dramatic vistas, and the intense quality of natural light found their way into the palettes and forms of his later works, showcasing his deep connection to his surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kenneth Price

What is Kenneth Price best known for?
Kenneth Price is best known for his abstract ceramic sculptures, particularly for his innovative use of layered acrylic paint that is sanded down to reveal multiple colors, departing significantly from traditional glazed ceramics.
Who influenced Kenneth Price's work in ceramics?
A major influence on Kenneth Price was Peter Voulkos, under whom he studied at the Otis Art Institute. Voulkos's revolutionary approach to ceramics encouraged Price to explore sculptural, abstract forms and move beyond functional pottery.
Where did Kenneth Price study art?
Kenneth Price studied at the Chouinard Art Institute, Otis Art Institute, the University of Southern California (BFA), and the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University (MFA).
What made Kenneth Price's ceramic technique unique?
His technique was unique because he often did not glaze his ceramic sculptures. Instead, he applied multiple layers of bright acrylic paint, which he then sanded down to expose the vibrant colors beneath, creating a distinctive, painterly surface.
Did Kenneth Price work in any other mediums besides ceramics?
While predominantly a ceramic sculptor, Kenneth Price also explored other mediums. His Tamarind Fellowship, for example, involved work in printmaking, specifically lithography, demonstrating his versatility and broader artistic interests.