Dorr Bothwell / Gladding McBean (USA)

I came across this beautiful Art Deco piece the other day. It is unmarked, and not knowing the origin, I began a bit of research. Turns out it was produced by Gladding McBean Company between 1937 and 1940. It was designed by extremely well documented California artist Dorr (Doris) Bothwell (1902-2000). After traveling to Samoa and living with a native tribe in the late 1920's, she studied art in England, France and Germany. Upon returning to the US, she lived for a while in San Diego, California, then moved to Los Angeles where she opened a Gallery, became a muralist and sculptor for the Federal Arts Project, and became a designer for Gladding McBean where she contributed several Deco inspired figural pieces. Perhaps best known for her post surrealist modernist paintings and prints, her long, interesting and illustrious career continued to the year of her death in 2000.
This rare piece is a wonderful example of 1930's design that exhibits classic WPA Art Deco form. It is just over 12" tall, with bisque terra cotta surface contrasting with vibrant yellow glaze.
url=https://servimg.com/view/15559699/127][/url]

As it turns out, I have another piece designed by Bothwell for Gladding McBean. I have had this piece for over ten years without knowing the origin. I came across it again recently and realized what it is. This is one of the designs that were influenced by her stay in Samoa. It is a salt shaker and only about 3 1/2 inches tall (wish I had the other shaker and whatever other pieces went with it). It was produced during the same time period as the other piece I posted (which sold for a very nice price on ebay).