Beth Allison Gripenstraw “Salmon” Hand-Painted Ceramic Urn Vase, Santa Cruz, 1997

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Striking large-scale studio pottery urn by Santa Cruz, California artist Beth Allison Gripenstraw, dated 1997 and titled “Salmon.”
This substantial … Read more Striking large-scale studio pottery urn by Santa Cruz, California artist Beth Allison Gripenstraw, dated 1997 and titled “Salmon.”
This substantial hand-decorated ceramic vessel features a dramatic wraparound school of salmon rendered in deep black, violet, blue, pink and iridescent tones against a warm cream ground. Raised textural detailing throughout the background gives the surface additional dimension, while the glossy black rim provides a strong graphic finish.
The fish decoration is particularly impressive, with shimmering, almost metallic-looking coloration that changes character as the vessel is viewed from different angles. Because the salmon continue around the entire body, the piece displays beautifully from virtually any direction.
The underside is hand-inscribed with the title “Salmon,” copyright, Beth Allison Gripenstraw, 1997, and Made in Santa Cruz, California, U.S.A. A wonderful example of late-20th-century California studio pottery with strong coastal, nautical and aquatic design appeal. See less