This page intentionally left blank b y L o u a n a M . L a c k e y With A F o r e w o r d by P e t e r Voulkos Published by The American Ceramic Society 735 Ceramic Place Westerville, OH 43081 www.ceramics.org The American Ceramic Society, 735 Ceramic Place, Westerville, Ohio 4308 1 0 2002 by The American Ceramic Society. All rights reserved. Published 2002. Printed in the United States of America. 06 05 04 03 02 5 4 3 2 1 ISBN: 1-57498-1 44-7 Executive Director and Publisher W. Paul Holbrook Developmental Editor Sarah Godby Senior Director, Publications Mark Mecklenborg Marketing Assistant Jennifer Hereth Acquisitions Mary J. Cassells Production Manager John Wilson Design by Melissa Bury, Columbus, Ohio. Photographs appearing in this book are reprinted courtesy of Christofer Autio, Lar Autio, Rudy Autio, Jaap Borgers, Bill Brown, Dave DonTigny, L.H. Jones, Louana M. Lackey, Hiromu Narita, Joan K. Prior, Bruce S. Rose, Roger Schreiber, and Howard Skaggs. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, microfilming, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in review. Authorization to photocopy for internal or personal use beyond the limits of Sections 107 and 108 of the U.S. Copyright Law is granted by The American Ceramic Society, provided that the appropri- ate fee is paid directly to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 0 1923 USA, <www.copyright.com>. Prior to photocopying items for educational classroom use, please contact Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. This consent does not extend to copyright items for general distribution or for advertising or promotional purposes or to republishing items in whole or in part in any work in any format. Requests for special photocopying permission and reprint requests should be directed to Senior Director, Publications, The American Ceramic Society, 735 Ceramic Place, Westerville OH 43081 USA. Every effort has been made to ensure that all the information in this book is accurate. Due to differ- ing conditions, tools, and individual skills, the publisher cannot be responsible for any injuries, loss- es, and other damages that may result from the use of the information in this book. Registered names and trademarks, etc., used in this publication, even without specific indication thereof, are not to be considered unprotected by the law. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-PublicationD ata Lackey, Louana M. (Louana Mae), 1926- Rudy Autio / by Louana M. Lackey ; with foreword by Peter Voulkos. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 1-57498-1 44-7 1. Autio, Rudy, 1925- 2. Potters--United States--Biography. 3. Autio, Rudy, 1925---Catalogs. 4. Ceramic sculpture, American--20th century--Catalogs. I. Autio, Rudy, 1925- 11. Title. NK4210.A93 L33 2002 730’ .92--dc2 1 [BI 2002019766 For more information on ordering titles published by The American Ceramic Society or to request a publications catalog, please call (614) 794-5890 or visit our online bookstore at <www.c eramics.o rg>. Dedication To Frederick R. Matson, who introduced me to ceramic studies as an undergraduate, guided me through the pitfalls of graduate school, saw me through to the successful completion of my dissertation, and graciously continues in his role of mentor. This page intentionally left blank Contents Foreword by Peter Voulkos ix Preface xi Acknowledgments xiv Becoming an Artist I At the Archie Bray 21 Teaching and Making Art in Missoula 47 An Artist Abroad 79 In the Studio 103 More Time for Art 127 Plates 151 Chronology 247 Appendix 249 Bibliography 255 Index 259 Rudy and Pete, New Jersey, 2000. I Know Rudy eing in Rudy Autio’s presence is to experience the greatness and humbleness we all seek. The time we’ve spent together is extraordinary, to put it mildly. Rudy and I have been friends and colleagues for fifty-five years. Rudy’s vastly diverse talents, enhanced at times by his wife Lela’s remarks, amazed all. From the beginning we had a lot in common; we had clay, music, guitars, art, Montana, immigrant parents, new families, no money, military service, the G.I. Bill, athlete’s foot, and a passion for making stuff. At the Archie Bray we also had the chance to collaborate and build something together. We were the ”Kids,” according to Archie. He called what Rudy made ”horses and babes,” and what 1 made ”ribs, guts, and belly buttons.” We were a good influence on each other. We had give and take. Rudy is the consummate artist. I am constantly astounded and jealous. He can paint, draw, sculpt, and play the accordion; he’s a real renaissance guy. Our relationship has taught me a world of ideas. I respect Rudy as one of the finest artists and teachers, and hold him as my best friend. -Peter Voulkos IX