BIBLIOGRAPHY
Greenberg, J., & Jordan, S. (2013). The mad potter: George E. Ohr, eccentric genius. New York: Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 9781596438101
PLOT SUMMARY
The Mad Potter, as George dubbed himself, is full of personality that showcases an amazing artist who was absolutely ahead of the times. Here we see the full embodiment of George’s life as well as how his pottery helped change the art community. With photographs following his movements and his amazing art on display throughout the pages, this book will leave you wanting more, more, more of Ohr!
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
George E. Ohr was truly ahead of his time. The style in which this was written invites the reader to learn more about Ohr’s life and personality as it helped shape the direction his artistry took. Real black and white photographs show what the time was truly like and the setting that pushed Ohr into becoming a widely known artist. Readers are able to connect emotionally thought the photos: we get to ooh and aah at his cute children, laugh at his silly antics, mourn when he loses his shop and rejoice when he rebuilt bigger and better. True to Ohr, he instructed his children to not show his work for 50 years, I believe, in the hopes his work would be truly appreciated as it hadn’t been during his life. Treated more as a novelty, he wanted to his name to go on in history as a shaper of modern art.
Ohr was true to himself throughout his life even when that labeled him as a “black sheep”. He believed in being loud and flamboyant because that’s who is was as a person. He never tried to change to fit the mold society wanted at the time and that reflected in her art. Ohr’s personal philosophy was “unequaled, unrivaled, undisputed, greatest art potter on the Earth”. He had the courage to demonstrate his larger than life ideals even though they were not widely accepted at the time.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
“Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan, authors of the award winning Ballet for Martha, approach this colorful biography with a gentle and curious hand.” – Goodreads
"A fascinating introduction to an innovative artist." - Kirkus Reviews
CONNECTIONS
*Could be used during a Civil War unit to lend perspective of everyday life during that time period.
*Creative writing project where the student tells about a secret passion they have.
*Describe how his art influenced many artists after him.
*Choose a piece of pottery from the book and describe why it speaks to you.
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