Review of The Mad Potter: George E. Ohr, Eccentric Genius

greenberg_mad potterThe Mad Potter: George E. Ohr, Eccentric Genius
by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
Intermediate, Middle School    Porter/Roaring Brook    56 pp.
10/13    978-1-59643-810-1    $17.99

“Eccentric” is an apt word for Ohr, a Mississippi blacksmith’s son (1857–1918) who reinvented himself as a potter: though he began his distinctive works on a potter’s wheel, he then reshaped them into “pronounced curves and free-flowing forms” and would “twist, wring, pummel, and fold” for effects “witty, rhythmic, and sensual.” Thus, literally and figuratively, a form’s original center was shifted in order to create a unique (and usually nonfunctional) sculpture, rather than the teapot or bowl its shape might suggest. Mostly self-taught and way ahead of his time, Ohr was undeterred by his lack of worldly success; a shameless self-promoter, he billed himself as a “Mad Potter” and priced his works high even when they hardly ever sold, though he did make utilitarian items to keep his large family afloat. There’s not much here about that family. They valued his work so little that “his grandchildren and great-grandchildren used a few bowls as targets for their BB guns”; a son burned all of Ohr’s papers. Fortunately, the pots themselves — whimsical, fantastical, downright beautiful — were rediscovered in the 1970s. Soon they were selling for tens of thousands of dollars, inspiring other artists, and being displayed in museums, including one especially built for them in Ohr’s native Biloxi — designed, appropriately, by Frank O. Gehry. Once again, Greenberg and Jordan (Ballet for Martha, rev. 7/10) have produced a magisterial portrait that’s both a character study and an appreciation of their subject’s oeuvre. Precise, vividly descriptive language; excellent, scrupulously sourced photos; full notes and bibliography; and useful back matter (on the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi, “How to Look at a Pot,” “And How to ‘Boss’ One of Your Own”) all contribute to this inviting, eye- and mind-opening biography.

From the January/February 2014 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.
Joanna Rudge Long
Joanna Rudge Long
Joanna Rudge Long is former editor of Kirkus Reviews and a frequent lecturer on children’s books.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


Sam Juliano

It is truly a magnificent book, and a worthy follow-up to the sublime BALLET FOR MARTHA. After these two wonderful books I am spoiled, and await the completion of a hat trick! I showed this book to the 66 year-old security guard at our school, who is a bonafide history buff, and he read it in one sitting last week. He heaped some praise on it! I'd say Ohr's picture is on the dictionary page that lists 'eccentricity.' Great choice for a Siebert Honor too!

Posted : Feb 13, 2014 05:03


Barbara

This book arrived in the mail Thursday and I absolutely loved it! What a great story, but I wonder how kids will relate to it. It may be a story that adults will appreciate more than children can. I think they may still check it out, just because of his mustache.

Posted : Jan 25, 2014 03:47


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?