Laura Andreson was born in 1902 in San Bernardino and was educated
at UCLA, obtaining her undergraduate degree in 1932. She was a pioneer in
California ceramics, setting up the program at UCLA, and in 38 years there
she would teach over 5000 students. In 1944 she learned to throw from Gertrude
Natzler. She studied and traveled widely and was influenced by William Morris,
Bernard Leach, and Soetsu Yanagi. Her chosen medium was porcelain, and like
this example, her forms were simple canvasses on which to display a range
of unique glazes that she discovered through research and testing. She called
pottery 'a virulent germ that I have caught.' Andreson had this comment
on the changing fashions in the world of art and craft: "Throughout
the history of ceramics, taste and the standards of judgement appear to
vary from one generation to the next. We should always, therefore, be inspired
by the finest examples from all times and try to enjoy the qualities from
every age that come from experimentation. To live in one's generation is
important, but in imitation, one's work becomes lifeless. One's own true
feelings and character should be evident in the work produced. I hope my
work expresses a sensitive, honest use of materials and techniques and that
some of it will embody the eternal quality of aesthetic joy."
Porcelain Vase, Mat Crystalline Glaze, by Laura Andreson, 9" d., 1980
