Eliza Guzman, our intern through the Studio Institute’s Summer Arts Intern program:

As the Cataloguing and Library Intern at the Woodman Family Foundation this summer, I have had the opportunity to peruse various publications showcasing the exceptional artworks by the Woodman family. Betty Woodman’s artistry, in particular, caught my attention. Her ceramic pieces have undergone a significant transformation throughout her career, illustrating her versatility across several artistic styles. One instance of Betty’s transformation in creating her style is the Rococco Vase (1978), one of her earlier functional works, which is a plain but practical vase. However, Betty’s artistic vision evolved over time, resulting in the creation of On the Way to Mexico (2012). This piece bears a resemblance to the Rococco Vase (1978) from the artist’s early career with the use of cross hatch markings, but with a clear intention to be viewed and displayed as a full-fledged sculpture that is also functional as a vase. The vase boasts a complex design on both sides, incorporating a diverse range of colors that differ from the artist’s earlier and simpler ceramic works. Through this, it becomes evident how an artist can evolve and cultivate their own distinctive style over a span of time.

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