Purple Magazine
— Purple 25YRS Anniv. issue #28 F/W 2017
Betty Woodman New York / Florence
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interview by SELVA BARNI
photography by GIASCO BERTOLI
The art of pottery and ceramics has been largely considered a minor decorative art form, even though Picasso raised its status while living in Vallauris in the 1950s. American feminist artist Betty Woodman, age 87, has devoted much of her life to it — creating art objects that are both vases and sculptures, and colorful ceramic wall pieces. Her vibrant Matisse-inspired ceramic works, made between New York and her house near Florence, starkly contrast with the darkness of her late daughter Francesca’s photographs.
Betty Woodman in her studio, Boulder, Colorado, 1961, photo George Woodman, courtesy of the artist
SELVA BARNI — Here we are on the hills of Florence. You just came back from New York via Vienna, where you had a show. Since the 1960s, you have divided your time between Italy and the US….