(California, 1918-2015)

1983, of tapering form, green enameled body with naturalistic base, signed to base "Schwarcz" and numbered "874", 8-1/8 in.

Note: June Schwarcz was among the most innovative and highly respected artists working in the late 20th century enamels field. Best known for her electroformed metal sculpture, embellished with rich enamel color, she produced an extensive body of work which, while referring to time honored vessel making traditions, defy convention because, as she wryly noted, "They simply don't hold water." In the 1950s, she began creating enamels with pre made metal forms but soon began pounding out her own, developing an expertise in the base taille technique. Around 1962, she began to experiment with an electroforming process, which she used to produce unique forms in copper that she subsequently enameled. In this work, the rough quality of the electroformed metal offers a potent contrast to the brilliant color and smooth glassy surface of the enamel. This dialog between the raw and refined was fundamental to Schwarcz's work throughout her career. She created tactile, expressive objects by applying technical mastery of her medium to vessel forms and plaques, which she considered nonfunctional sculpture.

Provenance: Bellas Artes, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1980s; Private Collection, New York

some discoloration to interior metal, areas of crazing to enamel, areas of possible loss to naturalistic base, numbered "BA11" to base