The Dictionary of American Ceramics, 1945 onward
Dictionary of American Ceramics, 1945 onward
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William Attaway
1963/4 Born New York, New York
EDUCATION
University High School, Los Angeles, California
APPRENTICESHIPS & RESIDENCIES
1995 Visiting Artist, Portland Community College, Portland, Oregon
PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE
1980 – Studio Artist, Venice, California
1996 Co-founder, Venice Building and Clay Works, Venice Community Housing Corporation, Venice, California
BIOGRAPHY
William Attaway is known for public mosaic murals and decorative sculptural vessels. His work features heavily carved surfaces, most often in low relief. Signature designs include full-figure male and female nudes, or fish carved into clay among a variety of abstract patterns. Works are most often finished with a cool color glaze palette with warm color accents.
Until 2015, Attaway's studio was a hallmark of “Old Venice” in Venice, California. From his 334 Sunset Avenue studio, he created numerous sculptures and mosaics that are installed across California public spaces and schools. Attaway often worked with at-risk youth through Venice Building and Clayworks. Attaway's contributions have made a significant impact on Venice, California, and its creative and economic growth.
PUBLIC COLLECTIONS
Clear Channel Outdoor, Torrance, California
Dreams Come True, 25 ft. Ceramic Column, Ceramic Seating Area, Historic Venice Ocean Front Walk Refurbishment Project, City of Los Angeles, Venice Beach, California
Embassy Suites Hotel, Los Angeles, California
Hilton Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach, California
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, Santa Monica, California
Mosaic, 10 ft. Column, Venice Community Housing Corporation. Venice, California
Past Present Future, Three 13-foot Ceramic Columns, Pomona-Downtown Metrolink Station, 100 West Commercial Street, Pomona, California
Pasture of Imagination, Mosaic, National Medical Enterprises Inc., Santa Monica, California
Running of the Grunion, Mosaic, Historic Venice Ocean Front Walk Refurbishment Project, City of Los Angeles, Venice Beach, California
Scripps College, Claremont, California
Sheraton Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
Sun Ray, Mosaic, Los Angeles Community Housing, Los Angeles, California
The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills, California
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Piasecki, Joe. “The Short Goodbye: Venice Loses a Piece of Itself with the Eviction of Artist William Attaway.” The Argonot, August 12, 2015.
“William Attaway Clay Works in the Inner City.” NCECA Journal (1998).
WEBSITE(S):
https://www.facebook.com/attawayfineart/
"Attaway" edged into wet clay at base of the foot
Citation: Kuratnick, Jeff. "The Marks Project." Last modified January 17, 2024. http://www.themarksproject.org/marks/attaway
