Doug Ayers (American, b. 1947) - Rare Hand-Turned Wood Weed Pot Vessel, Signed
Doug Ayers: Hand-Turned Wood Vessel
Late 20th Century, Signed
This sculptural vessel by American wood artist Doug Ayers (b. 1947) exemplifies his pioneering fusion of modernist aesthetics with traditional woodturning. The work displays Ayers' signature angularity - a bold, geometric form featuring a dramatically wide base that tapers sharply to a slender neck, creating a striking contemporary silhouette.
Executed in an unidentified hardwood (possibly mango wood), the piece demonstrates Ayers' profound respect for material integrity. This exceptional work represents a particularly rare expression within Doug Ayers' oeuvre, showcasing the artist's versatility through its unusual material selection. The vessel is crafted from a distinctive hardwood variety not typically associated with Ayers' body of work - indeed, this example stands as the only known instance of the artist employing this particular wood type in his production. The unfinished surface reveals the wood's natural figuring, while a half round fissure on the fascia of the vessel (present in the original material and intentionally preserved) attests to the artist's philosophy of honoring organic imperfections. The vessel has undergone repair to a small break in the neck area (unfortunately this is typical for Ayers sculptures because the necks are so thin).
Artist Legacy:
Ayers emerged as a leading figure in the American studio craft movement during the 1980s. His work is represented in major collections including:
• Smithsonian American Art Museum (Renwick Gallery)
• Museum of Arts and Design, New York
• Detroit Institute of Arts
• Minneapolis Institute of Art
His contributions to the field were recognized with a 1995 National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, cementing his influence on contemporary wood art.
Condition Notes:
- Excellent original patina with expected surface wear
- Small repair at the top of the neck (see detail photos)
- Original fissure preserved by artist during creation
Details:
6.25" H × 5" W × 2.5" D
Tropical hardwood (unidentified)
Signed on base
Provenance: Private PA Art collection
Doug Ayers: Hand-Turned Wood Vessel
Late 20th Century, Signed
This sculptural vessel by American wood artist Doug Ayers (b. 1947) exemplifies his pioneering fusion of modernist aesthetics with traditional woodturning. The work displays Ayers' signature angularity - a bold, geometric form featuring a dramatically wide base that tapers sharply to a slender neck, creating a striking contemporary silhouette.
Executed in an unidentified hardwood (possibly mango wood), the piece demonstrates Ayers' profound respect for material integrity. This exceptional work represents a particularly rare expression within Doug Ayers' oeuvre, showcasing the artist's versatility through its unusual material selection. The vessel is crafted from a distinctive hardwood variety not typically associated with Ayers' body of work - indeed, this example stands as the only known instance of the artist employing this particular wood type in his production. The unfinished surface reveals the wood's natural figuring, while a half round fissure on the fascia of the vessel (present in the original material and intentionally preserved) attests to the artist's philosophy of honoring organic imperfections. The vessel has undergone repair to a small break in the neck area (unfortunately this is typical for Ayers sculptures because the necks are so thin).
Artist Legacy:
Ayers emerged as a leading figure in the American studio craft movement during the 1980s. His work is represented in major collections including:
• Smithsonian American Art Museum (Renwick Gallery)
• Museum of Arts and Design, New York
• Detroit Institute of Arts
• Minneapolis Institute of Art
His contributions to the field were recognized with a 1995 National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, cementing his influence on contemporary wood art.
Condition Notes:
- Excellent original patina with expected surface wear
- Small repair at the top of the neck (see detail photos)
- Original fissure preserved by artist during creation
Details:
6.25" H × 5" W × 2.5" D
Tropical hardwood (unidentified)
Signed on base
Provenance: Private PA Art collection
Doug Ayers: Hand-Turned Wood Vessel
Late 20th Century, Signed
This sculptural vessel by American wood artist Doug Ayers (b. 1947) exemplifies his pioneering fusion of modernist aesthetics with traditional woodturning. The work displays Ayers' signature angularity - a bold, geometric form featuring a dramatically wide base that tapers sharply to a slender neck, creating a striking contemporary silhouette.
Executed in an unidentified hardwood (possibly mango wood), the piece demonstrates Ayers' profound respect for material integrity. This exceptional work represents a particularly rare expression within Doug Ayers' oeuvre, showcasing the artist's versatility through its unusual material selection. The vessel is crafted from a distinctive hardwood variety not typically associated with Ayers' body of work - indeed, this example stands as the only known instance of the artist employing this particular wood type in his production. The unfinished surface reveals the wood's natural figuring, while a half round fissure on the fascia of the vessel (present in the original material and intentionally preserved) attests to the artist's philosophy of honoring organic imperfections. The vessel has undergone repair to a small break in the neck area (unfortunately this is typical for Ayers sculptures because the necks are so thin).
Artist Legacy:
Ayers emerged as a leading figure in the American studio craft movement during the 1980s. His work is represented in major collections including:
• Smithsonian American Art Museum (Renwick Gallery)
• Museum of Arts and Design, New York
• Detroit Institute of Arts
• Minneapolis Institute of Art
His contributions to the field were recognized with a 1995 National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, cementing his influence on contemporary wood art.
Condition Notes:
- Excellent original patina with expected surface wear
- Small repair at the top of the neck (see detail photos)
- Original fissure preserved by artist during creation
Details:
6.25" H × 5" W × 2.5" D
Tropical hardwood (unidentified)
Signed on base
Provenance: Private PA Art collection
