F. Carlton Ball

F. Carlton Ball (1911 – 1992) was a multidisciplinary artist who worked with painting, jewelry, sculpture, and pottery. Ball was most known for his wheel thrown, glazed, and figuratively decorated vessels that often depicted elements of nature. 

Ball was born in Sutter Creek, CA. After being inspired by muralist painter Diego Rivera, Ball attended the University of Southern California where he earned his M.F.A. with a concentration in mural painting. During his studies he worked under Glen Lukens studying pottery and learned to throw on the wheel. By the 1950’s Ball moved to Madison, WI where he would open up a studio and would meet Aaron Bohrod whom he would collaborate with along with his wife Kathryn Uhl Ball. As he progressed into his career, Ball created large scale vessels, some reaching to six feet tall and he later developed an interest in jewelry.

Inspired by teaching, Ball taught at eight different colleges including the University of Southern California, The University of Puget Sound, and the California College of Arts and Crafts. His last teaching position was held at Tacoma Community College before his passing in 1992.

Ball’s art can be found in the public collections of the Museum of Art and Design, NY, The Art Institute of Chicago, the Oakland Museum of California, and more.