'Ukul', 1987

Claude Conover (1907-1994) was a celebrated American ceramicist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He studied both painting and sculpture at the Cleveland School of Art where he graduated in 1929. For three decades, he made a career as a commercial designer. However, in 1959, his life changed after creating a ceramic jug which he called ‘Pottery Form A’. He submitted this work to the May Show in Cleveland where it won a purchase award and remains in the Cleveland Museum of Art today (inv. no. 1959.148). He went on to participate in 14 May Shows, nearly 50 exhibitions around the country and internationally, and his works are included in the collections of both private and public institutions.

Conover’s works have been described as having a “…timeless monumentality reminiscent of ancient vessels whose utilitarian purpose is now lost to us.” They are modern and ancient all at once, evoking the image of prehistoric monoliths with a reverent tone and an austere beauty. He was influenced by ancient Mediterranean vessels and sculptures with simple designs and sparing decoration. Conover’s large and rounded classical forms were created with primarily earthtone colors and geometric decoration which he produced by scratching the surface of his works with a sawtooth blade.

Conover once said, “I do not believe the artist should try to make a profound statement or explain his work. The object must speak for itself.” This applies to the present lots which stand on their own as noteworthy vessels, embodying the processes of their remarkable maker and manifesting a powerful presence.