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In the mid-20th century, San Antonio-born artist Rudolf Staffel pioneered porcelain as a medium for artistic expression with his translucent “light gatherers,” fragile-looking ceramic sculptures that allowed light to shine through thin, luminous sections for a glowing, otherworldly effect.
He’s the inspiration behind “Intense and Fragile,” an exhibit at the Southwest School of Art that assembles the work of nine artist who are influenced by Saffel and are finding ways to expand the scope of the ceramic medium. Read our profile on “Intense and Fragile” here.
Rudolf Staffel, ‘Light Gatherer,’ no date (Photo by Adam Reich, courtesy of David Nolan Gallery)Rudolf Staffel, Light Gatherer, 1967 (Photo by Adam Reich, courtesy of David Nolan Gallery)Rudolf Staffel, ‘Light Gatherer,’ no date (Photo by Adam Reich, courtesy of David Nolan Gallery)Rudolf Staffel, Light Gatherer, ca. 1980 (Photo by Adam Reich, courtesy of David Nolan Gallery)Rudolf Staffel, ‘Light Gatherer,’ 1985 (Photo by Adam Reich, courtesy of David Nolan Gallery)Rudolf Staffel, ‘Charger,’ 1960 (Courtesy of the Smithsonian Museum of American Art)Rudolf Staffel, ‘Light Gatherer,’ 1987 (Courtesy of the Smithsonian Museum of American Art)Rudolf Staffel, ‘Bowl,’ ca. 1955 (Courtesy of the Smithsonian Museum of American Art)Rudolf Staffel, ‘Blue Bowl,’ 1960 (Courtesy of the Smithsonian Museum of American Art)
