Rago Auctions

Adrian Saxe’s work is deeply rooted in the traditions of historical ceramics while incorporating a forward-looking sensibility, often blending classical forms with unexpected materials and whimsical references. Saxe grew up in Southern California and was initially drawn to ceramics in the 1960s during a period of significant change in the art world. He attended the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, where he studied under influential ceramicists such as Ralph Bacerra. This formal education laid the foundation for his nuanced understanding of technical processes, including glazing and firing, which would become essential to his later works. He furthered his education at the California Institute of the Arts, Valencia where he eventually earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1974.

One of Saxe’s defining characteristics as an artist is his ability to challenge the traditional boundaries between functional pottery and sculptural art. His work often features highly ornamental and intricate designs, drawing inspiration from Rococo, Baroque, and even Asian porcelain traditions. However, Saxe juxtaposes these historical forms with modern materials such as glass, metals, and even plastic, creating a distinct visual language that is playful yet sophisticated. His pieces often feature elements of humor and irony, engaging the viewer in both an intellectual and emotional experience.

In addition to his innovative use of form and materials, Saxe has been recognized for his technical mastery, particularly in the area of glazing. His glazes often feature complex colors and textures, with a particular emphasis on iridescent and metallic finishes. This gives his work a jewel-like quality, blurring the line between ceramics and fine jewelry or decorative arts.

Throughout his career, Saxe has garnered significant acclaim, receiving numerous awards and honors including a Guggenheim Fellowship (2002), a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship (1986), and a residency at the Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres (1983). At 50 years old, he was honored by a retrospective exhibition organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. He has exhibited extensively both in the United States and internationally, with his works held in major collections such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Saxe has also been a dedicated educator; he was a professor of art at UCLA for 45 years, where he influenced generations of younger artists and ceramicists before retiring in 2018.