Joe Bova is a sculptor known for his figurative sculpture and vessels which incorporate human and animal imagry with anthropomorphic expression. Common animal subjects are birds, dogs, monkeys, pigs, and rabbits. Forms vary from face jugs to jars, sculptures both on plinths and wall hung.
Bova?s developed sculptural works many of which show the seamless integration of the animal forms and vessel. During different periods of his career, work has dealt with social and political topics. Bova utilizes the animal form as ?symbols, surrogates and totems?. He is influenced by the ceramics of Mexico and of the Mochica peoples of the northern coast of Peru which is known for jars in the form of the human head with stylized motifs. The Mochia influence is seen some examples of Bova?s work of the late 1970s through the 1980s. In 2006 Bova, began to create a focus on animal forms and imagery and the teapot form, Bova describes these as ?the pot incognito?. At times, Bova incorporates the human and animal forms. In certain cases eroticism and humor are used to develop content.
Other works by Kaneko
Kaneko in other collections
TMP collaborates with the finest public and private collections of modern and contemporary American ceramics in the United States. Browse collections to learn about artists and their works. Reach out to us to become a collection partner.
Claremont, California
Claremont, California
Claremont, California
Note:
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
The Marks Project encourages the use of images found on this website for personal, noncommercial use, including educational and scholarly purposes. Some images may be protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights. To request permission to use an image from our website please contact info@themarksproject.org
This resource is for educational use and its contents may not be reproduced without permission. Please review our Terms of Use for more information.


