Fishnato, Ceramic, 2025, 120" tall

Tony Natsoulas is a ceramic sculptor whose work centers on large-scale figurative forms. Since completing his Master of Fine Arts degree in 1985, he has dedicated his career to exploring the expressive possibilities of clay and creating sculptures that invite connection through character, humor, and narrative.

His interest in ceramics began during his undergraduate years at the University of California, Davis, where he studied with Robert Arneson. Arneson’s approach to clay—irreverent, inventive, and deeply rooted in the figure—left a lasting impact on Natsoulas and helped shape the direction of his own practice.

Over the years, his sculptures have been exhibited widely and are included in museum and gallery collections across the United States and abroad. His work has also been recognized by institutions such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, which recently added one of his large-scale pieces to its collection. In 2004, the Smithsonian included him in its list of 100 notable craft artists in the country.

In addition to his studio practice, Natsoulas has completed numerous public and private commissions, working in materials ranging from ceramics to bronze and fiberglass. He continues to maintain an active studio in Sacramento, California, where he creates new work and contributes to the region’s artistic community.

“Up Above My Head, I Hear Music In The Air” (Portrait of Sister Rosetta Tharpe) 72 x 36″ x 36″ Ceramic, Steel, and Wood 2021 Permanent collection, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
“Up Above My Head, I Hear Music In The Air” (Portrait of Sister Rosetta Tharpe) 72 x 36″ x 36″ Ceramic, Steel, and Wood 2021 Permanent collection, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The sculpture I made of Sister Rosetta Tharpe was acquired by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art for their permanent collection after they came to see my show at the Sanchez Art Center in Pacifica.

I would also like to share why I chose to use Sister Rosetta Tharpe as my subject in my latest series of works. She was a gospel singer in the 1930-1960s who melded Rock and Roll music with Gospel.

Among the artists she influenced were:
Elvis Presley,
Carl Perkins,
Jerry Lee Lewis,
and Johnny Cash.

When selecting a person I want to sculpt, I look for underrepresented, dynamic, and socially relevant people who inspire me. Research such as reading biographies, watching videos of interviews and performances, and in this case listening to music. I use the material I gather to bring metaphors and symbols relevant to each portrait made. In Sister Rosetta Tharpe I was drawn to her dynamic personality and incredible life. She was one of the first musicians to use a tour bus for herself, the backup singer, and the band. At that time black people were not allowed to stay in some hotels in the South, and having the bus solved that problem. This sculpture was challenging to make because of all of the elements of her life I wanted to include in the piece.

To learn more about Sister Rosetta Tharpe go to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_Rosetta_Tharpe

Larger than Life, a Book on Tony Natsoulas’ career. Payment types accepted: Cash, Checks, or Zelle. The book is $65, including sales tax—free shipping to other states than CA. Please send it to Tony Natsoulas, 5212 Meckel Way, Sacramento, CA 95841, and I will send you a copy right away. Thank you all for your support over the years! Cover photo by Bruce Brown. https://www.facebook.com/BruceBrownPhoto