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Stoneware, rope
Dimensions: 14 x 15.5 x 13
Purchased through a National Endowment for the Arts grant, 1972

The Artwork

Two elements of this ceramic pitcher immediately catch the viewers attention: the thick rope handle and the interesting application of glaze. The rope handle is attached to the vessel by six stoneware tabs. The artist approached the glazing of this pitcher through a process in which he poured the blue and tan glaze around the rim, letting the glaze form a natural flowing pattern down the curved form.

The Artist

Montee Hoke was a potter, artist, and professor who made a tremendous impact on the role of the functional arts in Oklahoma. Hoke earned his Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Arts from Michigan State University. As Professor of Art at Southwestern Oklahoma State University and as an exhibiting artist, he influenced a generation of artists working in clay. He received many awards including from the Springfield Art Museum, Fort Worth Art Center, and the Philbrook Art Center. His work has been represented in group exhibitions at the Smithsonian Institute and Brockton Art Institute as well as several other prestigious museums.

“I like art that can be a physical thing...pottery suits me best in this way.” - Montee Hoke