Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA)

John Mason ceramics illustrate his skill as a California abstract expressionist of the 1950’s. Mason has executed numerous unique ceramic sculptures as well as large scale architectural wall reliefs over his illustrious career. Working alongside other California artists such as Peter Voulkos, Mason developed his own interpretation of the abstract expressionist movement occurring in California to an internationally recognizable style now commonly associated with these well known Californian artisans.

Mason has had one man shows at Ferus Gallery of Los Angeles (1958 and 1959), Gumps Gallery of San Francisco, and Pasadena Art Museum (1960 and 1974). In addition, he has extensively exhibited at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMoMA) in the 1960s. Internationally he has exhibited at the International Ceramic Exhibition, Belgium (1959) and International Exhibit of Contemporary Ceramics in Prague, Czechoslovakia. In addition to his studio work, Mason taught ceramics at Otis College of Art & Design alongside other artists such as Peter Voulkos, Paul Soldner, Richard Pettibone, and Billy Al Bengston.

The example illustrated here shows the artist’s desire to move beyond the traditional forms in ceramics and uses the medium more as sculpture.