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.