Ted Randall (Alfred, Ny, 1914–1985) Organic Studio Pottery Pedestal Vessel

Details

Description

An impressive studio pottery pedestal bowl by American ceramic artist Ted Randall (1914–1985), known for his association with the influential … Read more An impressive studio pottery pedestal bowl by American ceramic artist Ted Randall (1914–1985), known for his association with the influential ceramics community of Alfred, New York. This sculptural vessel features a beautifully balanced organic form with a wide, gently flared rim and raised pedestal foot, giving the piece a strong yet elegant presence.

The bowl is decorated with a striking three-tone glaze composition, transitioning between deep iron red, warm ochre, and creamy speckled stone tones. The surface displays a rich mottled texture with natural kiln speckling, creating depth and visual interest throughout the piece. The interior mirrors the same tonal palette, giving the vessel a cohesive and dynamic appearance from every angle.

A small sculptural protrusion and aperture near the rim add an intriguing studio-crafted detail, emphasizing the handmade nature of the work. The underside bears an incised artist mark, and the base is fitted with protective felt pads. The combination of earthy glazes, bold color blocking, and the elevated pedestal form exemplifies the expressive studio pottery aesthetic associated with mid-century American ceramic art.

This bowl works beautifully as a decorative centerpiece, sculptural vessel, or collector’s studio pottery piece, and would complement modern, organic, and wabi-sabi inspired interiors.

Measurements:
9.25" w x 9.25" d x 6.0" h / Inches

Condition:
Excellent vintage condition. The glaze and structure remain very well preserved with only minor signs of age and handling consistent with vintage studio pottery. No visible cracks or structural damage. Overall, a beautifully maintained example of Ted Randall’s ceramic work.

Ted Randall, Theodore Randall
1914Born Indianapolis, Indiana

1985Died Alfred, New York

EDUCATION

1938BFA Sculpture, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut

1949MFA New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University, Alfred, New York

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

1949-1985Studio Potter

1951-1981New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University, Alfred, New York



Early on Ted Randall made utilitarian vessel forms, a recurring theme throughout his career. He studied architecture, sculpture, industrial design, and ceramics. Randall joined the faculty of Alfred University in 1951 and became the head of the Division of Art and Design in 1958. He was the department chairman until his retirement in 1981. Randall is credited with creating the fine arts program at Alfred. During these years he invented a significant improvement to the potter’s kick-wheel.

Randall was the third generation of his family to be involved with ceramics. His time teaching and working at Alfred limited his studio work. His was most productive after his retirement in 1981. His work at this time was glazed stoneware and earthenware. He coined the word “sculpots” to describe the work he was making that drew from both sculpture and vessel making. Randall’s work exhibits a range of techniques including throwing, coiling, and slab building, in some instances more than one technique appears in a piece.

In 1966 he was instrumental in founding the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) and wrote the original charter and bylaws.

PUBLIC COLLECTIONS

Alfred Ceramic Art Mseum, Alfred University, Alfred, New York

Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, New York

Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, California

Museum of Arts and Design, New York, New York

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cushing, Val. “Ted Randall: An Appreciation.” Studio Potter 16, no. 1 (December 1987).

Perry, Barbara. American Ceramics: The Collection of the Everson Museum of Art. New York, NY: Rizzoli International Publishers, 1989.

Peterson, Susan. The Art and Craft of Clay. London, England: Calmann & King LTD, 2000.

Randall, Ted. “Being and Meaning.” Ceramics Monthly (November 1984). See less