Pitcher

Lisa Orr

Earthenware

12 in H x 12 in x 7 in

Relief Signature

Pitcher that can be used as a vase or to serve any beverage. Beautiful oceanic colors move across the body of a well crafted form, drawing the eye into all its amazing detail. Orr often shared how she found great pleasure in creating fresh, graceful, and pliant pottery pieces that might be reminiscent of folk pottery, or perhaps forms found in nature. A wonderful addition to any functional or aesthetic collection.

Artist Statement

My artworks for the table refer to traditional porcelain or restaurant whitewares, but with softer forms inspired by the playful and abundant qualities of Mexican earthenware. I invented my own production process after studying clay mold fragments in antiquated factories and museums. After forming pieces in molds, on the wheel, or both, I finish with gestural animals, stamps, slips, sprigs and multihued glazes.

To some, my jeweltone glaze colors evoke a healthy garden in bloom or an underwater seascape. My colors, textures and strength of my forms set my work apart; my forms are muscular and strong but also fluid. I engage both ends of the spectrum, from the dynamic and substantive to the detailed and dreamy-I celebrate tiny surprises in my work. My colorful, shapely earthenware looks best holding a freshly prepared meal on the table.

Artist Biography

Lisa Orr completed an MFA at The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in 1992. She has been awarded a Fulbright and National Endowment for the Arts fellowship through Mid-America Arts Alliance. Orr taught high school ceramics in Austin, Texas, and travels extensively for lectures and workshops. She creates low-fire pottery intended for use in everyday life. Though rooted in the deep history of ceramics, her forms are fluid and often gently asymmetrical-a combination of the clay's natural expression and her own inspiration in the moment. Her slip work and relief decorations along with her rich colors suggest images of sky, coral reef, or flowers in bloom. The work is a riot of color, energy, memories, and emotion, all of which come together to create finished work that is cohesive and confident.

This piece was donated by the Family of Marge and Phil Kalodner.

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio.
• Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 12:00 pm on September 27th 2026.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.