Photo: Artist
Photo: Artist

In Search of the Perfect Shot

USA, 1900
Date acquired:
Materials:
Mixed Media
Porcelain
Form - Functional: N/A
Form - Sculptural:
Installation - small/intimate scale
Method:
Hand-Built
Slab-Built
Surface Technique: N/A
Kiln Type: N/A
Glazes:
Glaze
Tony Natsoulas

Tony Natsoulas is known for large-scale witty figurative and portrait ceramic sculptures. Referencing Pop Art and California Funk, Natsoulas? work is described as ?camp? for its exaggerations, theatricality, and satirical approach to the subject. While most influenced by Robert Arneson, Natsoulas also studied with the artists Robert Brady, Roy DeForest, Wayne Thiebaud, and, less formally, with artists David Gilhooly and Clayton Bailey.

His figures range from commissioned to celebrities ceramic portraits sometimes portrayed in period costume. Detail and themes are influenced by images from popular culture, absurd television shows, people, toys, cartoons, plays, and nostalgic movies. Natsoulas began making larger-than-life exaggerated ceramic busts in 1997. He uses a sculptural technique similar to that of Arneson: his sculptures lack depth front to back. His figures are caricatures often with enlarged heads.His approach to the work is influenced byRobert Arneson,his former teacher, at University of California, Davis.

Natsoulas in other collections

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These records have been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced.

Last updated: April 22, 2026

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