Barbara Willis……Rediscovered
by Alice Krueser



Barbara Willis was born in Bakersfield, California on June 29, 1917. She began her art career by studying with potter Laura Andreson and trained with the master, Glen Lukens at UCLA in the late 1930's. In 1942, Barbara opened her first studio pottery. With the shortage of domestic products due to World War II, Barbara then went from studio to production potter. Barbara's unique glazing technique, vibrant colors and imitation wood designs were sought after by the large store chains such as Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor of New York, Gump's, & Macy's to name a few....including the White House. The popularity of her work lasted until the mid 1950's when art pottery interest declined due to the increase in imports after the war. Barbara closed her pottery and moved on to her next business venture.

In 1994, Barbara Willis found a piece of her vintage pottery at a flea market. During a conversation with the seller, she passed on her phone number. A few weeks later, an avid collector of her vintage works called her to explain that she is a California Art Pottery legend! Barbara was encouraged to begin a new line of pottery and, this Barbara Willis, Terrene Pottery was reborn! Barbara utilizes a different approach in the making of her contemporary line. She hand presses each piece, using one of three types of clay. Barbara uses a unique one-fire glazing process. Each piece is definitely one of a kind!

What a gracious woman! I had the opportunity to meet Barbara Willis, in person, at the Los Angeles Pottery Show on January 29, 2005. In anticipation of meeting and talking with her, I took along my book "Barbara Willis - Classic California Modernism, by Jack Chipman" and asked her if she would be kind enough to sign it for me. She signed it "To Alice, Warm Regards - Barbara Willis - 1/29/04." I later noticed that she had inadvertently dated it 2004 instead of 2005. Like most of us, we write the previous year's date until we are used to the new year. I certainly did not mind the incorrect date. I was overjoyed that I was conversing with her and expressing my admiration for her work directly in person.

I speak of Barbara Willis with much enthusiasm because of many reasons. First and foremost, I love her pottery - not only her vintage work, but her contemporary work as well. Here's a woman, in her late 80's, who currently has her "creative juices" in motion, working right out of her home in Malibu Beach letting herself be known again to the pottery world after a thirty-seven year absence to clay. I, like many others, am very appreciative of her work and share in the joy of her return as she quickly is being recognized as an important American ceramist! Barbara Willis exhibits her work at the Los Angeles Pottery Show in Pasadena, CA, usually held at The Pasadena Center. During the show in February 2006, she was awarded a "Living Legend Award". These are exhibits you don't want to miss! Contact the gallery at Shop@AccessoryHut.com for information about upcoming shows.

You will find pieces of her vintage and contemporary works in the shopping gallery of this site as well as some hand made pottery gift items such as necklaces, paperweights, and ring holders. I am proud to say that Barbara Willis was the "Featured Artist" for the Grand Opening of the gallery in February 2006.

If you would like to learn more about the life and works of Barbara Willis, the above mentioned book is a great read! The author, Jack Chipman, had the opportunity to interview her for his book and during the process they became good friends and he is now a student of hers. A lucky man!



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