The Dictionary of American Studio Ceramics, 1946 Onward
The Dictionary of American Studio Ceramics, 1946 Onward
Printer Friendly Version
1924 Born Valhalla, New York
2013 Died
EDUCATION
1954 Architecture and ceramics, University of Oregon, Portland, Oregon
PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE
—1962 Callister and Payne Architects
1962-1998 Operated Norstad Pottery
BIOGRAPHY
Eric Norstad began making functional stoneware pieces as a way of subsidizing his architect’s income. He is known for either thrown or slab built wares with surface techniques that included brush work and textural features.
A Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation grant in 1957 supported the construction of Norstad’s small kiln and studio. When he expanded the business to include the production of bathroom and kitchen sinks, Norstad hired other potters to help with production, including Toru Hasegawa, Jack Sears, and Michael Campbell. Demand for Norstad sinks continued to grow and the firm built an 8,000 square foot pottery in Richmond, California. The firm continued to function until Norstad’s retirement in 1998.
Public Collections
Oakland Museum of California, Oakland, California
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Eugene, Oregon
Sausalito Ferry Building, Sausalito, California
Bibliography
Lynn, Martha Drexler. American Studio Ceramics: Innovation and Identity: 1940 to 1979. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1979.
White, Hazel. Water Gardens: Simple Projects, Contemporary Designs. New York, NY: Chronicle Books, 1998.
Citation: "The Marks Project." Last modified April 14, 2023. http://www.themarksproject.org/marks/norstad