The Marks Project - A Marks Dictionary of American Studio Pottery, 1946 to Present

Michael Arntz

1939 Born Los Angeles, California

EDUCATION

1962 BA, California State University, Long Beach, California

1964 MFA, California State University, Long Beach, California

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

1965 Designer/Craftsman, Architectural Pottery, Manhattan Beach, California

1965-1990 Professor, Art Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, California

1981-1987 Chairperson, Art Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, California

Michael Arntz is known for large and monumental scale landscape stoneware sculptures and vessels. Sometimes, materials are added post-firing; these included rope, wood, and leather. He also worked in porcelain and earthenware. Early in his career, his work in the vessel form was influenced by southwestern Native American pots and those of other cultures.

Public Collections

The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, Japan

Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Salt Lake City, Utah

U. S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Harpers Ferry Center, West Virginia

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California

Bibliography

Anhat Fleisher Gallery. Michael Arntz, Ceramic Sculpture. Los Angelos CA: Anhat, Fleisher Gallery, 1969.

Website: www.michaelarntz.com

Southern Highland Craft Guild

Typical Marks

Before 1992 did not typically sign work. As of February 2017, there are 3 known marks used by Michael Arntz: 1. Printed, incised into clay, with first initial and date below, located on base. 2. Full name written out in script. 3. Initials MA pressed into clay with commercial stamps.