Barbara Willis, a Glen Luken's Protege is Rediscovered

Barbara Willis was born in Bakersfield, California onenough to sign it for me. She signed it "To Alice,
June 29, 1917. She began her art career byWarm Regards - Barbara Willis - 1/29/04." I later
studying with potter Laura Andreson and trainednoticed that she had inadvertently dated it 2004
with the master, Glen Lukens at UCLA in the lateinstead of 2005. Like most of us, we write the
1930's. In 1942, Barbara opened her first studioprevious year's date until we are used to the new
pottery. With the shortage of domestic productsyear. I certainly did not mind the incorrect date. I
due to World War II, Barbara then went fromwas overjoyed that I was conversing with her
studio to production potter. Barbara's uniqueand expressing my admiration for her work
glazing technique, vibrant colors and imitation wooddirectly in person.I speak of Barbara Willis with
designs were sought after by the large storemuch enthusiasm because of many reasons. First
chains such as Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor ofand foremost, I love her pottery - not only her
New York, Gump's, & Macy's to name avintage work, but her contemporary work as well.
few....including the White House. The popularity ofHere's a woman, in her late 80's, who currently
her work lasted until the mid 1950's when arthas her "creative juices" in motion, working right
pottery interest declined due to the increase inout of her home in Malibu Beach letting herself be
imports after the war. Barbara closed her potteryknown again to the pottery world after a
and moved on to her next business venture.Inthirty-seven year absence to clay. I, like many
1994, Barbara Willis found a piece of her vintageothers, am very appreciative of her work and
pottery at a flea market. During a conversationshare in the joy of her return as she quickly is
with the seller, she passed on her phone number.being recognized as an important American
A few weeks later, an avid collector of herceramist!You will find pieces of her vintage and
vintage works called her to explain that she is acontemporary works in the shopping gallery at as
California Art Pottery legend! Barbara waswell as some hand made pottery gift items such
encouraged to begin a new line of pottery and,as necklaces, paperweights, and ring holders. I am
this Barbara Willis, Terrene Pottery was reborn!also proud to announce that Barbara Willis is the
Barbara utilizes a different approach in the making"Featured Artist" for the Grand Opening of the
of her contemporary line. She hand presses eachgallery.If you would like to learn more about the
piece, using one of three types of clay. Barbaralife and works of Barbara Willis, the above
uses a unique one-fire glazing process. Each piecementioned book is a great read! The author, Jack
is definitely one of a kind!What a gracious woman!Chipman, had the opportunity to interview her for
I had the opportunity to meet Barbara Willis, inhis book and during the process they became
person, at the Los Angeles Pottery Show ongood friends and he is now a student of hers. A
January 29, 2005. In anticipation of meeting andlucky man!Alice Krueser is the owner of an online
talking with her, I took along my book "Barbaraart gallery that promotes the arts and its
Willis - Classic California Modernism, by Jack"Directory of Artists" to the design industry as
Chipman" and asked her if she would be kindwell as the general public.