The Legacy of Val Cushing

The Legacy of Val Cushing

Val Cushing was one of the most respected and influential ceramic teachers of the 20th Century. He was born in Rochester, New York in 1931 and died in 2013 at the age of 82. Both his teaching and his own education revolved around the famous ceramic college, Alfred University. Val Cushing received both his BFA and Masters degree from Alfred and after a short stint teaching at the University of Illinois, he returned to Alfred where he taught two generations of potters all there was to know about clay, glazes, and most importantly, throwing on the potter's wheel. He taught at Alfred for 41 years and upon his retirement in 1997 was named professor emeritus. He continued to make and show his work to the very end of his life.

Although his work evolved over the years Val Cushing was firmly planted in the traditional studio pottery movement and made pots that were beautifully crafted, wonderfully functional and elegantly glazed in rich deep reds and sparkling browns. Many of the popular glazes from the 60s and 70s were his recipes. Quite a few of the most successful potters of that era came out of Alfred and were definitely taught by Val the value of a well-made pot. He was a master of the medium. Even students who went on to make sculpture knew their material very well and respected the traditions involved in making good work.

Beyond his teaching at Alfred University, Val led workshops around the world which included hands-on seminars at Anderson Ranch, Haystack and Penland. He received numerous awards including ones from NCECA, the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Craft Council, a Fullbright, and a grant from the Archie Bray. His students adored him and he was famous for his wide-smile and pleasant nature. Val was known to often say "technique is good but not enough to make good work." He believed in the value of working every day, the importance of knowing our ceramic history, and sharing information so that others could grow their skills and develop their own voice. His work can be found in many public museums including the Smithsonian, the Brooklyn Museum, the Cooper-Hewitt, the Everson Museum of Art, and the brand new Alfred Ceramic Art Museum. The Alfred Ceramic Art Museum is a mecca for ceramic art and one of Val Cushing's gigantic jars is one of the first things you see when you walk into the first gallery.



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