1980s Studio Art Pottery Vase by Marcia Polenberg | 13" Brutalist Modernist Ceramic Vessel | Signed One-of-a-Kind Art Object

Details

Description

A stunning piece of late 20th-century American studio art pottery by ceramic artist Marcia Polenberg.
Hand-crafted in the 1980s, this … Read more A stunning piece of late 20th-century American studio art pottery by ceramic artist Marcia Polenberg.
Hand-crafted in the 1980s, this large 13-inch tall vessel is a masterclass in texture, architectural form, and expressive surface design. Because it is completely asymmetrical and multi-faceted, it displays a different, captivating composition from every angle. Rotating this piece on a pedestal, dresser, or credenza creates an evolving focal point in any contemporary or Mid-Century Modern interior.

Key Features & Details
Artist: Marcia Polenberg (Signed by artist on base)
Period: 1980s / Late 20th Century Studio Pottery
Technique & Finish: Hand-thrown and sculpted stoneware featuring earthy tan/terracotta tones, washed white glazes, expressive gouged accents, applied slab handles, and a signature turquoise glaze pop.
Design Style: Modernist / Brutalist / Organic Studio Art Pottery
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. Natural variations, surface texture, and glaze eccentricities are inherent to the artist’s hand-built process

360-Degree Artistry: Unlike uniform factory ceramics, this vessel changes dynamically depending on how it's oriented.
Earthy & Tactile: Features rich raw clay body texture contrasted with creamy matte slips and deep carved grooves.
Versatile Decor Piece: Looks striking on its own as a sculptural centerpiece or styled with a minimalist dried branch.

measurements:
tall: 13"
wide : 6 1/2"
deep: 6 1/2"
opening wide across : 3 3/4"
a heavy piece

Marcia Polenberg, born in New York City, received a BA from CUNY Brooklyn College and an MFA in ceramics and sculpture from the University of Michigan. She has taught at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor/Flint), Delta College, Central Michigan University, Barton County Community College, Mott Community College, and the College for Creative Studies. She has taught ceramics, sculpture, art history, African art and African American art history, 2 and 3D Design, life drawing, as well as drawing and painting.
Her figurative functional and architectonic sculptural ceramics, drawings, and paintings have been exhibited widely across the US. Among others, awards include the Scarab Club: first prize, Silver Medal (2010), and honorable mention (2014); Michigan Ceramic Artists Association's Juried Art Exhibition honorable mention (2012), sculpture first prize (2010), and juror's award (2008); as well as the Kathryn Rave Award for Crafts at the Midland Center for the Arts (2010).
Polenberg says in her ceramic works, she "attempts to express the layers of individual personality, intelligence and history, all resulting in a surface that is both 'painterly' and textured, with layers of colors and nuances of tones representing the personalities and prior experiences.
Her sculptures are typically fired seven to eight times and no two are the same.""The award-winning artist, who began as a painter and whose work is featured in a number of galleries, museums and exhibitions, has developed innovative surfaces of colored slips and textured glazes on her terracotta works.

"Note on Listing Photos: Some preview images use AI-generated interiors to show styling inspiration. The vintage item itself is completely unaltered. Please scroll through all photos to view the unedited, real-life pictures of the actual item you will receive." See less