Teaset “Iraq 2007”, 2007
 
According to the biographical narrative of sculptor Richard T. Notkin, the Helena, Montana-based artist has been creating surreal and politically charged ceramics for almost 40 years. Of note in Notkin’s long career is his fondness for creating odd-looking teapots; an affinity that was born from his early love of Chinese Yixing teapots. Notkin was so enamoured with his subject that he spent most of the twelve years between 1983 and 1995 creating surrealist-looking teapots. Notkin’s works are also meant to represent his disdain of politics, war and other important societal issues.

Notkin on why he chose the teapot as a way of expressing himself:

Although the vast majority of my work created between 1983 and 1995 consists almost entirely of teapots, I consider myself a sculptor with a strong commitment to social commentary. My chosen medium — the material I love to work with — is clay. The vessel is the primal “canvas” for the ceramic artist, and my vessel of choice is the teapot, the most complex of vessels, consisting of body, handle, spout, lid and knob. This allows me the widest latitude in juxtaposing the many images I use to set up my narrative pieces.

Notkin’s works have been displayed by museums across the world, including locations in New York, Los Angeles, London and Japan. I’m especially fond of the teapots that follow.
 

Light bulb teapot (variation #6), 1984
 

“Nuclear Nuts” teapot (variation #12) 1987
 

Cube Skull Teapot, 2001
 

Cube skull teapot variation #26
 

Pyramidal skull teapot: Military Intelligence One, 1989
 

Pyramidal Skull Military Intelligence (variation)
 

Pyramidal Skull Military Intelligence (variation), 1989
 

Cube Skull teapot, 1992
 

Iron Clad Hostage, 1988
 

Cooling Towers teapot (inspired by the Three Mile Island 1979 nuclear accident in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania)
 

Teapot from Yixing Series, 1985