Happy Birthday to a favorite artist, Beatrice Wood

Happy Birthday Beatrice Wood

When I was in college, I was introduced to Beatrice Wood by my wonderful ceramics professor, Patt Franklin. Beatrice was already in her late 80’s at the time and was still a very active artist . She lived from 1893-1998, working up to the day she died. Her work was enchanting, strong ceramic vessels with golden and iridescent lustrous glazes. And she was just lovely. As serendipity would have it, I was visiting a home in Camden, Maine when I walked by a display case full of her spectacular creations. It took my breath away to see them so closely. The owner of home became a friend and I was invited back to lunch and served lunch on her beautiful artwork!! What a treat that I will never forget! March 3 was Beatrice’s birthday and this kind friend invited me to share a zoom party with her friends and family. and I spent the evening hearing stories of her life, as a lover of Marcel Duchamp, as the model for Rose in the Titanic and all of the many people she touched throughout her magnificent life. I did this charcoal drawing of her from a photo I found of her at age 15. Happy Birthday, Beatrice Wood. Thank you for your amazing work and the legacy you leave.