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Kurt Wild The following article appeared in WPA Press, Vol. 17, Summer 2003
THE POTTERY OF KURT WILD As collectors of pottery, the Wisconsin Pottery Association has many members that fancy not only old but also new ceramics. Antique pottery was obviously once new and there were persons observant enough to recognize its quality of craftsmanship when it was new, and to collect it. If not for them, antique pieces might not be around today. The WPA occasionally invites makers of outstanding new pottery to speak at our monthly meetings. Kurt Wild was kind enough to join us in April and tell us about his work. Kurt Wild is a potter based in River Falls, WI. He was raised in Milwaukee and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education from the UW-Milwaukee, after which he served in the US Army. Kurt’s first professional job was teaching high school art in Clarkston, MI. From 1958–60 Kurt attended the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, MI, majoring in ceramics under Maija Grotell. During his talk Kurt noted that he wanted to “study design first, jewelry second and ceramics last”. With a minor in jewelry and metalwork, Kurt earned his M.F.A. from Cranbook in 1960. That same year he joined the faculty at the University of WI-River Falls, where he was hired to help implement the newly approved art major. Kurt set up the first clay and metal studio at UWRF where he taught jewelry/metal for seven years, and claywork for 33 years. Kurt served as Chairman of UWRF Art Department and held the position of Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, 1970–74, after which he returned to teaching full time. Kurt retired in 1993 but continues his claywork, much to our good fortune, in his home studio, where he experiments with low-fired, polished blackware, reduction- fired stoneware and salt-glazed stoneware. Two examples of his pottery are featured here: three pieces of blackware and a recently produced tile (right). Kurt is an excellent speaker, a cordial tour guide and a very modest and highly talented pottery designer and decorator. He has won more than 25 prizes and honors for excellence in more than 60 juried and invitational exhibitions. Click on the first link below to connect to his webpage & to get more information. Related Pages:
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