Harding Black (1912-2004), Cowboy Bottles, 1985, glazed ceramic, 7.75 x 3.5 x 3.5" each

Provenance: The Boerne, Texas estate of a long-time collector

A ceramist, sculptor, painter, bricklayer, teacher, Black graduated from Brackenridge High School and attended San Antonio Junior College (1929-30). In 1933, Black was taught by Rudolph Staffel to make wheel-thrown pottery and began to teach children's ceramic classes at the Witte. Black directed ceramic installation in a San Antonio reconstruction project sponsored by the National Youth Administration and the Works Progress Administration art program. In 1955 he retired from teaching and devoted his time to ceramics. Black became well-known for his research, innovations, and writings in the field of ceramics. Black's collection and archive are housed at Baylor University. His work with clay serves an an important bridge between early Texas and mid-century pottery.