From making clay pots in ancient Egypt to decorating porcelain in 19th-century European factories, women have made important, but often underrecognized, contributions to the history of ceramics. This exhibition highlights the achievements of women ceramicists since the early 20th century. 

In the Western world working in clay has been a male-dominated field for centuries. It was traditionally viewed as a physically demanding art form in Europe and the United States, which caused some to equate ceramics with masculinity. Because of this adherence to normative gender roles and identities, working with clay was seen as a “man’s job,” and women were relegated to other types of artmaking more in line with feminine pursuits. The Industrial Revolution changed the way ceramics were made, and in the 18th and 19th centuries women slowly became employed at large ceramic factories. While still not allowed to make the objects themselves, they were hired as decorators. In the United States and Europe ceramic decorators, also known as china painters, became the predominant role for women working in clay. 

It was not until the mid-20th century with the beginning of the Studio Ceramics movement that artists, both male and female, began to work in independent studios. Women were no longer beholden to the factory and could express themselves in new and innovative ways. Artists featured in this exhibition like Lucie Rie, Ruth Duckworth, and Viola Frey took part in breaking down barriers in the world of ceramics and solidifying the significance of women working in clay.

Location: Harris - Burger Gallery