Patti Warashina, Convertible Car Kiln, ca. 1971, earthenware, gold and silver luster glaze, and Plexiglas, 14 1⁄2 x 35 1⁄2 x 14 1⁄2 in. (36.9 x 90.2 x 36.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance, 1994.37.1, © Patti Warashina
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Convertible Car Kiln
- Artist
- Date
- ca. 1971
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 14 1⁄2 x 35 1⁄2 x 14 1⁄2 in. (36.9 x 90.2 x 36.9 cm)
- Copyright
- © Patti Warashina
- Credit Line
- Gift of the James Renwick Alliance
- Mediums Description
- earthenware, gold and silver luster glaze, and Plexiglas
- Classifications
- Highlights
- Subjects
- Architecture — vehicle — automobile
- Allegory — element — fire
- Object Number
- 1994.37.1
Artwork Description
A closer look at Patti Warashina's engaging ceramic works often reveals an underlying layer of social or political commentary rife with tongue-in-cheek humor. In her Kiln series from the late 1960s and early 70s, Warashina pokes fun at the ceramic world's "cult of the kiln" and clay's often exaggerated association with masculinity during that time. Here, Warashina puns on the term "car kiln" -- literally, a kiln on wheels -- conflating the macho cultures surrounding clay and cars. Gold and silver luster flames allude to hotrod culture while adding a distinctly decorative feminine touch.