Harding Black (San Antonio, Texas, 1912-2004), turquoise and earth tones roadrunner vase, glazed and fired ceramic, signature and date on the underside, 1972

height 7 in. x width 4.5 in. x depth 3 in.

Provenance: Property from a home in San Antonio, Texas

Harding Black was a renowned Texas ceramic artist, sculptor, painter, bricklayer, and teacher. His work with clay serves an an important bridge between early Texas and mid-century pottery. In 1933, Black was taught by Rudolph Staffel to make wheel-thrown pottery and began to teach children's ceramic classes at the Witte Museum. Black directed ceramic installation in a San Antonio reconstruction project sponsored by the National Youth Administration and the Works Progress Administration art program. Black became well-known for his research, innovations, and writings in the field of ceramics. Black's collection and archive are housed at Baylor University.