Marva Pitchford Jolly

“Action Studio” – Story Pot
hand-built stoneware clay with clear glaze and underglaze colours
21 x 11 in.

“Decision Makers” – Friendship Bowl
hand-built stoneware clay with clear glaze and underglaze colours
23 x 9 in.

“Matilda and Mattie” – Friendship Bowl
hand-built stoneware clay with clear glaze and underglaze colours
13 x 9 in.

Marva Lee Pitchford Jolly (1937-2012) received her B.A. degree in Urban Studies at Roosevelt University and a M.A. degree in Ethnic Studies at Governors State University, both in Chicago. Born on a farm in Creshaw, Mississippi as one of eight children, she was inspired and nurtured by her early surroundings and developed a world view early in life through avid reading, education, private study and world travel. In 1982 Marva decided to become a professional artist, after spending more than twenty years in teaching and social service careers. Over the span of her artistic career she has been featured in many publications and films and enjoyed numerous trips to Africa which included a six week residency to work with Zambian potters, sponsored by the City of Chicago Artists Abroad program. Along with multiple commissions and honors, she has also served as an Artist-in-Residence numerous times, most recently at New York University. Marva was influenced by her mother, Aretha Franklin’s music and spiritual creativity, Elizabeth Catlett’s sculpture and Georgia O’Keefe’s use of color and eye for beauty in the unexpected, and black women’s spiritual energy and transcendence. Marva’s pottery and sculpture are an expression of the diversity, unity and spiritual quest that formed her life as an African-American woman. http://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/marva-lee-pitchford-jolly-41

© Marva Pitchford Jolly