David Cressey, a multi-disciplinary artist who had a six-decade career, created pottery and ceramics that revolutionized indoor/outdoor planters with their architectural style. Implementing artistic functionality into his pieces, Cressey designed in modern and mid-century modern styles. He created many planters, vases and table lamps, which remain highly desirable to collectors.
Cressey was the first artist in residence at Architectural Pottery in Los Angeles in 1961, helping to transform its urban and residential work. This was highly influential in the architecture and design worlds as the company mass-produced and sold sculptural, functional pieces.
Cressey also opened a design studio in Venice Beach, California, collaborating with Group Artec and Earthgender Ceramics. When Architectural Pottery closed in the mid-1980s due to a fire, Cressey continued to produce art, this time in the medium of mixed media on wood.
Cressey artwork evokes a similar physical and sensory experience as his vessels, lanterns and folk art ceramics. Evocatively Californian, his paintings evolved from his clay-based practice with a masterful use of color, saturation and texture. His fine art training included studying at the University of Southern California under Vivika Heino and at the University of California, Los Angeles, with Laura Andreson.
In 2006, he received the California Design Award. Museums that have exhibited his work include the Pasadena Art Museum in 1967, the Everson Museum of Art in 1961, the Oakland Museum of California in 1961 and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 2011.
On 1stDibs, find a rare collection of David Cressey building and garden elements, decorative objects, lighting and more.
David Cressey Flame-Glaze Planter for Architectural Pottery
By Architectural Pottery, David Cressey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Planter by David Cressey for the Pro/Artisan collection by Architectural Pottery with Cressey’s signature “Flame Glaze.” This planter has a flat lipped rim and wide belly that tappe...
Stoneware
David Cressey Flame-Glazed Planter by Architectural Pottery, 16.5"
By Architectural Pottery, David Cressey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A planter by David Cressey for the Pro/Artisan collection by Architectural Pottery with Cressey’s signature “Flame Glaze.” This planter has a cylindrical body, a simple shape rendere...
Stoneware
David Cressey "Solar" Stoneware Planter for Architectural Pottery
By Architectural Pottery, David Cressey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Solar" planter designed by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery's 1960s Pro/Artisan Collection. The unglazed stoneware planter has slightly bowed sides and a flattened lip and fe...
Pottery, Stoneware
David Cressey Pro/Artisan Flame-Glaze Urn for Architectural Pottery
By Architectural Pottery, David Cressey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Planter by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery's Pro/Artisan collection with Cressey’s signature “Flame Glaze." This planter has slightly bowed sides and a flattened lip. Dimen...
Ceramic
David Cressey Flame-Glazed Bullet Planter for Architectural Pottery
By David Cressey, John Follis, Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
John Follis Bullet planter with David Cressey's signature “Flame Glaze” for the Pro/Artisan collection by Architectural Pottery. The planter has slightly bowed sides and a flattened ...
Stoneware
Robert Maxwell Glazed Studio Pottery Planter with Floral Motif
By Robert Maxwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand thrown studio pottery planter by California ceramics artist Robert Maxwell, circa 1970s. This example has a flared lip and round body. It is d...
Stoneware
Vintage Studio Pottery Creasey Style Drip Glaze Bowl
By David Cressey
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hand-thrown stoneware bowl with bold vertical stripe pattern in earth tones of rust, brown, and cream with drip glaze accents. in the style of David Cressey.
Ceramic
Midcentury Drip Glaze Stoneware Planter in the Style of David Cressey
By David Cressey
Located in San Diego, CA
Drip Glaze stoneware planter from the 1960s. Signed USA on the bottom.
Stoneware
Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Bowl by Karen Boel, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Studio Pottery Bowl by Karen Boel, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Ce...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Brutalist German Studio Pottery Bowl from Goebel, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist German Studio Pottery Bowl from Goebel, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mar...
Ceramic
Architectural Planter Pot Vessel by David Cressey
By David Cressey
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A large David Cressey glazed pot or vessel is a stunning work of art that combines form, texture, and color in a captivating way. Known for his ceramic creations, David Cressey has a distinct style that is both modern and organic. This particular pot or vessel showcases Cressey's mastery of glazing techniques. Its generous size commands attention and makes it a focal point in any setting. The pot's shape is often asymmetrical, with smooth curves and undulating lines that mimic the organic shapes found in nature. Its large size allows for ample space to showcase the intricate glaze patterns. The glaze itself is a masterpiece, with a rich and layered appearance. Cressey's glazes often feature earthy tones like deep browns, rustic oranges, and mossy greens, evoking a connection to the natural world. The glaze may have variations in color, creating depth and visual interest. The surface texture might be subtly textured or exhibit a more pronounced texture, further enhancing the tactile and visual experience. When displayed, this David Cressey glazed pot or vessel becomes a statement piece that adds a touch of sophistication and artistic elegance to any space. Its combination of sculptural form and expertly applied glaze demonstrates the artist's skill and creativity, making it a unique and captivating addition to any art collection or interior design. Photographed with Knoll wire side...
Ceramic
Saxbo Bowl in Glazed Stoneware, Beautiful Glaze in Brown Shades, Mid-20th C
Located in København, Copenhagen
Saxbo bowl in glazed stoneware. Beautiful glaze in brown shades. Mid-20th century. Measures: 12 x 5.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Ceramic
