Beatrice Wood
Beatrice Wood
American, 1893–1998
Birth placeSan Francisco, California, United States
Death placeOjai, California, United States
BiographyBorn: 1893, San Francisco, CA. Died: 1998, Ojai, CA. Biography: Wood studied art briefly at the Academie Julian, she was soon attracted to the stage and moved to the Comédie Française. In 1914, Wood joined the French Repertory Theater in New York. She was introduced to Marcel Duchamp and became an intimate friend of the painter and a member of his rechérche culturelle clique, which included Francis Picabia, Man Ray, and others. Wood's interest in ceramics was aroused in 1933, when she wanted to produce a teapot to match a set of six luster plates. It was suggested that she make one at the pottery classes at Hollywood High School. She studied with Glen Lukens at the University of Southern California in 1938, and in 1940 with Gertrud and Otto Natzler. By 1950 Wood emerged as the leading exponent of luster pottery and had the most remarkable career actively making and exhibiting until close to her death at 105 years of age.Person TypePerson
