Artist: Warren MacKenzie

Warren MacKenzie, MINNESOTA
(1924-2018)
View work by Warren MacKenzie

Bio

Warren MacKenzie was one of America’s greatest potters and an inspiration to younger generations.

Having apprenticed at the Leach Pottery in 1952, MacKenzie brought the Mingei aesthetic to the St. Croix Valley where it took root and spread. An inspired teacher, MacKenzie embodied the philosophy, impressing young potters with a dedication to the ideals of simplicity, serviceability and rough beauty. His work is collected by the world’s finest museums.

Warren MacKenzie is memorable for his staunch belief in the power of functional pottery and the mingei aesthetic (that the lowest is the highest) that informed his work.

Also noteworthy is Warren’s ability as a teacher—fostering so many potters that Minnesota became known as the clay state of Mingeisota.