Ceramic Artist Legardo Tackett

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Legardo Tackett (1913-1994) was a renowned American ceramic artist and designer known for his avant-garde approach to pottery and innovative use of technology in ceramics. His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world and is considered a significant contribution to the field of contemporary ceramics.

Tackett was born in Kansas and spent his childhood in rural America. He attended the University of Southern California where he studied fine arts, including sculpture and pottery. After completing his degree, he worked for several years as a ceramics instructor and continued to develop his unique approach to the medium.

In the 1950s, Tackett began experimenting with new forms and techniques in ceramics, including using slip-casting and molds to create complex shapes that were impossible to achieve through traditional hand-building methods. He also incorporated industrial materials such as plastic and fiberglass into his work, blurring the boundaries between art and design.

One of Tackett's most notable contributions to ceramics was his creation of the "Stacking series," a line of modular ceramic pieces that could be arranged in countless configurations to create a variety of functional and sculptural forms. The series was highly influential and was eventually produced by the prominent California-based ceramics company Schmid International.

Tackett's work was not limited to ceramics. He also designed furniture, lighting, and other household objects, often incorporating his signature biomorphic forms and bold use of color. His designs were featured in exhibitions such as the California Design series at the Pasadena Museum of Art, and his work is included in the permanent collections of museums including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Throughout his career, Tackett pushed the boundaries of what was possible in ceramics and design, challenging conventions and creating new possibilities for artistic expression. His legacy continues to influence contemporary artists and designers, and his work remains a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in the arts.

Resources

https://lagardotackett.com/
https://encyclopedia.design/2022/01/02/lagardo-tackett-1911-1992-american-ceramicist/
https://www.ctexplored.org/discovering-lagardo-tackett/


A nice example of Tackett's midcentury design work is available at Duckwells, the online vintage and antique shop. Please consider signing up for our newsletter to learn when new inventory is available.




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