| Other names | Polya Pilin, Polia Sunockin |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Polia Sukonic |
| Birth date | September 1, 1909 |
| Birth place | Częstochowa, Poland. |
| Death date | July 25, 1992 |
| Education | School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Jewish People's Institute |
| Occupation | Ceramist, potter, painter |
| Movement | Modernism |
| Spouse | William Pillin (m. 1927–1985; his death) |
Polia Pillin, née Sukonic,[1] or Sunockin[2] (September 1, 1909 – July 25, 1992), was a Polish-born American ceramist.[3] She is known for her modernist ceramics and pottery with painted images.[4]
Early life and education
Polia Pillin was born as Polia Sukonic in 1909, in Częstochowa, Poland. She was Jewish.[5] She immigrated to the United States in 1924, and settled in Chicago, Illinois.
Pillin attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Jewish People's Institute in Chicago.[5]
In 1927, she met and married Jewish Ukrainian immigrant William Pillin, who also worked as a potter, artist, and poet.[1][6] They lived near Albuquerque, New Mexico, from 1936 to 1940; Chicago from 1940 to 1948; and finally Los Angeles, California, from 1946 until their deaths.[7][8][2]
Career
In her early career, she worked as a painter.[9] Her first solo exhibition was in 1947, at the Art Institute of Chicago.[10]
Pillin used engobe and glaze techniques to create mid-century motifs painted onto hand-thrown pottery such as pots, vases, plates, bowls, etc., with the majority of subjects involving women, horses, cats, fishes, and other animals.[11][12] She produced most of her work from her home studio, called the Pillin Art Pottery Company, which was set up in the family's garage in Los Angeles.[7][8][11] Decorated pieces of Pillin pottery generally sell for $350–$4,000 in 2017.[11]
List of exhibitions
- San Francisco Art Association, 1939[2]
- Art Institute of Chicago, 1947, 1948[2][10]
- San Francisco Museum of Art, 1948[2]
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1948, 1950[2]
- Oakland Museum, 1950[2]
- California State Fair, 1951 (prize)[2]
- Exhibition of ceramic ware, Willow Gallery in Greenwich Village, New York City, October 1955[13]
- Exhibition of ceramic painting, Circle in the Square Theater in Greenwich Village, New York City, October 1955[13]
- Who's Who in American Art, 1940–1963[2]
- Exhibition at Long Beach Museum of Art, Long Beach, California, November 15–December 6, 1960[12]
- Art show of ceramics and ceramic paintings, Willow Gallery in Greenwich Village, New York City, September 28–October 28, 1961[14]
References
- ^ "Pillin: A 'Priceless Touch'" (obituary). The Los Angeles Times. July 21, 1985. p. 338. Retrieved 2026-03-01. – via Newspapers.com
- ^ Hughes, Edan Milton (2002). Artists in California, 1786-1940. San Francisco, CA: Hughes Publishing Company.
- ^ Bilsland, William M. “Emerging From the Shadows: A Survey of Women Artists Working in California, 1860-1960.” In Emerging From the Shadows: A Survey of Women Artists Working in California, 1860-1960, 3:858–69. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, 2015.
- ^ "Work of Foremost Clay Painter To Be Exhibited Today in S.B.". The San Bernardino County Sun. April 28, 1957. p. 12. Retrieved 2026-03-01. – via Newspapers.com
- ^ Alexiadis, Jane (January 2, 2010). "Pillin's work more popular". Oakland Tribune. p. 49. Retrieved 2026-03-01. – via Newspapers.com
- ^ "Cosmopolitan House Displays Pillin's Work". The Naples Daily News. December 30, 1984. p. 87. Retrieved 2026-03-01. – via Newspapers.com
- ^ Kline, Jerry & Nickel, Mike (2011). Pillin Pottery. Schiffer Publishing.
- ^ "Polia Pillin Pottery"
- ^ "Whistling Oyster Shows Artist's Work". The Orlando Sentinel. February 3, 1958. p. 10. Retrieved 2026-03-01. – via Newspapers.com
- ^ Gill, Berniece C. (October 7, 1962). "Brush Strokes". Portland Press Herald. p. 62. Retrieved 2026-03-01. – via Newspapers.com
- ^ "Antique Week - News Article". www.antiqueweek.com. Retrieved 2017-03-16.
- ^ "Polia Pillin". Craft Horizons. January–February: 47. 1960.
- ^ "Polia Pillin's New Ceramics". Craft Horizons. November–December: 47. 1955.
- ^ "Polia Pillin". Craft Horizons. November–December. 1961.