Rare Gold "Toot" Figurine California Pottery Hoot Owl-Vintage Kay Finch-McFarlin

Description: This rare and beautiful California Pottery Hoot Owl Kay Finch-McFarlin figurine is a true gem of mid-century modernism. The glossy gold finish and all-over pattern make it a perfect addition to any room, and its small size (5.5") means it can fit into even the tiniest spaces. Handmade and signed, this owl figurine is a one-of-a-kind piece that will make a stunning addition to any collection. The owl is a beloved animal that symbolizes wisdom and intelligence, making this figurine a perfect gift for any occasion. It is in its original condition and was manufactured in the United States in the 1950s. Don't miss the chance to own this rare and beautiful piece from the Kay Finch-McFarlin Owls collection. Please note: there are some flea bite chips in the gold gilt on the fave, see photos About the artist: Kay Finch's creativity began at a very young age. She started out making animal figurines out of mud from her backyard as a child. She is known for her love of animals; among them being horses and dogs; her favorites. During her later years in school, she was rarely seen without a horse or clay. In 1922, she married Braden L. Finch. She attended the Memphis Academy of Fine Arts. Her attendance was inter- rupted only twice; by the births of her son, George, and daughter, Frances. Later, in 1929, they decided to move to California. They took up residence in Ventura, California, where Braden worked as a reporter and advertising for the Ventura Star. On her way to becoming a well-known ceramic artist, she took on many sculpting-related positions. They varied from a student, to teaching her art, to freelancing her work, to opening a small studio. The studio was an old milking shed they had converted where they had installed a second-hand kiln for $38.00. Thus, began her journey to becoming a well-known ceramic artist. She quickly outgrew the $38.00 kiln. In 1939, they bought a two-lot parcel of land and built a small studio in Corono Del Mar, a suburb of Newport Beach. The studio was on the lot next to their home. The orders began coming in rapidly. So rapidly, in fact, that a larger kiln had to replace the original. Then, one year later, in 1941, an even larger one had to be built. When WWII began and imports were stopped, demand for American- made products shot up. To keep up with the demand and not to compromise the quality of her pieces, Kay Finch expanded her studio to a major studio and showroom. It became known as the first modern ceramic studio on the West Coast. By 1947, Kay Finch Ceramics had almost 70 employees and her pieces could be found in over 2000 establishments in 19 countries. In addition to her love for horses, her other love was for all breeds of dogs, proven by her many figurines of all breeds. She was a known Afghan Hound breeder and dog show judge. She did a series called "The Dog Show". Unlike her other pieces, her dogs were more realistic. Kay Finch's world of ceramics was varied. She began her career with the animal kingdom, and continued with the seaworld, animals of the zoos, farm animals, woodland animals, figurines of different peoples of the world, religious, holiday, home decorative pieces, and finally for the White House of the United States. Frances E. Fowler, president of the distillery that produces a liqueur called "Southern Comfort", commissioned Kay Finch to design a victory mug for Harry S. Truman's re-election toast. The mug was in the shape of the head of a mule, it was to stand on its head when full, and stand on the opening when empty. It was an instant success. When Braden Finch died in January, 1962, Kay could not continue on with the company. She closed the doors of the business and sold some of the molds to Freeman-McFarlin Potteries in El Monte, California, some to employees, and some to hobbyists. She continued on with Freeman-McFarlin as a free-lance designer and created dogs, birds, forest folk, waterfowl, and wild animals. In 1971, she sculpted a life-size mother and baby seal in bronze and dedicated it to Braden. It is permanently mounted in Corono Del Mar below Inspiration Point. She continued to work until 1979 at the age of 76.

Price: 24 USD

Location: Bellingham, Washington

End Time: 2025-01-21T20:31:25.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD