Michael Simon: Evolution Roberts, Susan Stokes; Galusha, Emily and Mackenzie, Warren

With clarity and a simple lifestyle as inspiration, Michael Simon creates pottery that claims a singular position within our modern culture. In 1980, after ten years of potting, Simon felt the need to keep a record of the development of his work. Before any sorting, he began to save one pot from each kiln load. The pots he chose were not always the best but often were an example of a desired form achieved, a new motif realized, or an expression brought to comprehension.

This beautiful book is edited and art directed by Susan Stokes Roberts, an award-winning designer married to Simon. Here, she records the life of an artist, placed in context with a foreword by his teacher Warren MacKenzie; commentaries by his colleague Mark Pharis and art historian Glen R. Brown; an extensive interview with the artist by Mark Shapiro; and more. Over 100 striking color photographs chronicle the evolving nature of Michael Simon’s work, vividly showing the way one pot leads to the next. Adding to this rich collection is the potter’s own voice. Simon reflects on his forms, his craft, and his life, revealing the decisions behind and emotional connections to his labor.

This volume offers a wonderful, in-depth look at the development of an enormously influential American potter.

The contributors are:
Glen R. Brown
Emily Galusha
Warren MacKenzie
Mark Pharis
Susan Stokes Roberts
Mark Shapiro
Michael Simon