gwyn hanssen pigott: 1935 - 2013

I first saw Gwyn Hanssen Pigott’s work at Garth Clark Gallery in NYC in the early 2000’s. She had a profound influence on my approach to ceramics. Her simple porcelain shapes glowed with subtle glazes, each with a distinct personality of its own. Hanssen Pigott’s pieces were frequently displayed in families, creating the “in between” spaces that define relationships.

Gwyn Hanssen Pigott died on July 5th, two days after suffering a severe stroke; working, traveling, and exhibiting until the end of her life.

I saved an issue of Australian Vogue Living from 2007, it features Hanssen Pigott’s house in south east Queensland. Here are a few of my favorite moments from the article:

“Pots on shelves and kitchen benches ... always within easy reach to use and enjoy — eating, pouring and drinking from them is her especial pleasure.”

From an interview with Hanssen Pigott:
“I wanted to say that when pots come out of the kiln; quite often, I mean very often, I just want to say thank you, because I feel they’re a gift...” 
I agree, Gwyn. Thank you.

magical studio light

glazed, but not yet fired, porcelain

what remains...after glazing

I love the pattern left over by the bottoms of pieces after glazing...like a minimalist painting.

bearleader chronicle

Berrie and I had a lovely visit from Daniela Stallinger, the founder of Bearleader Chronicle, an online travel publication scheduled to launch this October. Along with my gem of a city, Providence, RI, gleena is very honored to be featured in the premier issue, here is a sneak peak:

photo by Daniela Stallinger

photo by Daniela Stallinger

photo by Daniela Stallinger


And here is the talented Daniela herself, surrounded by gleena boat vases:

You can follow Daniela’s travels through Bearleader Chronicle’s Instagram.


Oh, and we had a fantastic meal at Birch, a brand new restaurant downtown Providence. Yummy.

Thank you so much, Daniela, can’t wait to see the first issue of Bearleader Chronicle!