Clyde Burt, Western American Ceramist

Clyde Burt (1900-1981) was a notable American ceramic artist who contributed significantly to the evolution of mid-20th-century ceramics in the United States. Born in Ohio, he pursued his artistic education at the Cleveland School of Art, where he developed an interest in pottery that would shape his career.

During the 1920s, Burt relocated to New York City and took on work as a pottery decorator for various companies. Immersed in the artistic energy of Greenwich Village, he began crafting his own pottery, experimenting with innovative forms and glazes. In the 1930s, he joined the Cowan Pottery Studio back in Ohio, where his creative contributions to pottery design and glazing techniques gained widespread acclaim.

Burt's work is celebrated for its understated elegance, featuring clean lines, simple forms, and muted, earthy tones. He became known for his matte glazes, which he achieved through a meticulous process of mixing raw materials to create subtle, distinctive colors. Influenced by Asian ceramic traditions and the Arts and Crafts movement, Burt frequently incorporated natural elements such as floral and leaf motifs into his designs, giving his pieces a timeless appeal.

An influential teacher, Burt shared his knowledge of ceramics at institutions like the Cleveland Institute of Art and the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. He was also a founding member of the American Craft Council, contributing to the growth of the studio pottery movement in the United States. Today, his work remains highly valued by collectors and is featured in major museums around the world, reflecting his lasting impact on the field of ceramics.

Source: Ceramics and Pottery Arts and Resources