George Ohr, Art Potter: The Apostle of Individuality

by Robert A. Ellison

George Ohr (1857-1918) was the most revolutionary art potter of his time. Working in the relative isolation of Biloxi, Mississippi, around the turn of the century, he transformed symmetrical wheel-thrown pots into unprecedented abstract configurations, nearly half a century before the nonrepresentational ideas of the Abstract Expressionists took hold. As an artist, Ohr's goal was to make no two pieces alike. Furthermore, he fulfilled the ideal of the Arts & Crafts movement by doing all of his own work - from digging the clay to firing the kiln. Ohr's eccentric forms and flamboyant personality led to his being dubbed The Mad Potter of Biloxi, but in fact he was an American icon of creativity. Today, his unique works are highly regarded and sought out by collectors and museums all over the country. This exquisitely designed volume contains over 300 unpublished works by Ohr, and features all new photography accompanied by an accessible text. The clarity and number of illustrations will make this b

176 pages, Hardcover

First published September 25, 2006

Reviews

[Bud Winn]

Great overview and insight

[Bob]

Hoping everyone can discover Ohr, and perhaps contribute to the repair of his Katrina damaged museum. A real character, who made pottery from his own clay, that defy duplication today.

[Mary]

Simply awe inspiring. Truly a man ahead of his time. One of the most beautifully photographed books on ceramics.

[Bill]

Great photos of a great selection of work by the great potter. The author focuses more on the aesthetics of the pots than on Ohr's eccentric biography.