Verne Funk produced reduction fired functional stoneware pottery from 1961 to 1969. During this period, he was an early innovator in the use of metallic lusters. When combined with matt black clay, Funk used metallic lusters as an integral part of the form. He then moved on to produce the work he is most well-known for whiteware sculpture with drawings using an underglaze pencil, underglaze and overglaze applications.
Funk continued to draw on ceramic plates with an underglaze pencil throughout his career. During this time his original sculpture and trompe l?oeil works were related in approach and topic to the California Funk Movement.
One of Funk?s major series is large dance figures that are displayed on pedestals or as free-standing totems some up to 8 feet tall. Funk?s ?Half Head? series use the upper half of a head as the base for other components ranging from a hand, or a figure, or self-portrait standing on or penetrating the head. His ?arrested motion? or ?caught in the moment? series includes teapots pouring, dripping paint, and drooling mouths.
"Other works by Funk
Funk in other collections
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Last updated: April 22, 2026
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