8/12/2019 Ruth Duckworth vs Betty Woodman

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Ruth Duckworth’s pieces focus on harmony, smooth sequences and balance.

Some of her pieces feature approximate symmetry, but most have a strong sense of

asymmetrical balance. The forms are often abstract beyond all recognition, but they

are elegant and pristine looking. Smooth curves and pristine whiteness dominate

much of her work. A few pieces have a much more primitive texture, but most are

silken-looking, creating a sense of unity in her body of work. Color is apparently a

rare contrast, and frequently in neutral shades. Occasionally a piece features a

stunning blue color, but not usually. What I can see indicates her work is small. Not

tiny, fit-in-your-hand small, but respectable. I think a lot of her sculptures are

somewhere in the 1-2 ft. range? It’s hard to tell. The “murals” are bigger, of course,

but flatter as well.

In contrast, Betty Woodman’s work is riotously colorful and huge. Where the

simplicity of Duckworth’s pieces creates the harmony and balance, Woodman’s’

work relies on a vibrant and vital movement. Her pots are abstract but recognizably

descended from pots. Giant, heavily distorted and abstract pots, but still. They are

like vessels that have learned to dance. They are more heavily textured and

certainly more surface decorated. Many feature her distinctive oval spiral slabs as

handles, fronts or other decorations. There's a strong, strong focus on asymmetrical

balance. Even when the pillow pitchers are formed in a symmetrical manner, the

glazing is wild and free. However, despite how busy many of these vessels are, they

maintain and amazing sense of balance and unity as a whole. She has gift for going

far, but not too far somehow. Though initially almost overwhelming, the work

doesn’t  descend into complete chaos—there’s a hidden order to it. I think this

8/12/2019 Ruth Duckworth vs Betty Woodman

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derives from being able to recognize a base form and the carefully chosen colors

that go into each composition. She seems to have an excellent grasp of color theory.

Lots of colors go into the pieces, but the paintings are proportional to the large-

scaled vessels.

Both women have beautiful work, but they are absolutely different.

Duckworth’s pieces embody tranquility, peace and a calm serenity. They are soft -

spoken, but powerful. She represents an understated harmony –very Zen. They hold

a solitary grace. Woodman is wild, playful and exuberant. Her work demands to be

noticed immediately with riotous color and large scales, and the strength of her

designs holds up on a closer inspection. I know my house is more likely to feature

Woodman than Duckworth, but my sister would have a Duckworth house. Both are

valid lifestyle choices from amazing artists.