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Continuing with our profiles of artists both living and working in the Hamptons, the following is an interview with the current President of the Artist Alliance of East Hampton, Phyllis Baker Hammond, who lives in The Springs.

Phyllis Hammond in her sculpture garden at her studio in The Springs. Photo by Eileen Casey

Phyllis Baker Hammond was born in Elizabeth, NJ, and grew up in a northern suburb of Boston in Melrose, MA.
She describes her early education in Melrose as "an enlightened educational community for a hyperactive frightened child."

She was awarded a scholarship to drawing classes at the Boston Museum, and states that "For a nine-year-old this was a life saver. The train, the subway and the bus to Back Bay were required for classes. The high ceiling room was cold and overwhelming with large plaster reproductions of Roman sculptures of Gods and Goddesses on pedestals. This imagery was to stay with me for many years while trying to resolve this form. However, much later in my study of art I began making pottery and ceramics."

Recounting the course of events that brought her to the potter's wheel, Hammond said, "I married young, during the Korean War, and we lived on the Island of Okinawa where I first worked with clay. Returning home to give birth to my daughter, Shari, we designed and built a house on Cape Cod. I found a potter, Job Najeim, and learned to use the potter's wheel - bought a kiln and built a studio. I shared my studio with students." And then, at the age of 20 everything changed for Hammond. "My husband was seriously injured in an automobile accident, and one week later a hurricane destroyed our home."

Hammond later returned to attend the Boston Museum of Fine Arts where she received a four-year diploma, a fifth year Graduate certificate, and was awarded The Clarissa Bartlett Traveling Scholarship by the Trustees' of the Boston Museum "which gave me additional time to study and travel in Japan (1960)." She was the first American woman to work and study at Kyoto City College of Fine Arts, Japan and received a B.S. in Education in 1962 from Tufts University in Medford, MA.

Hammond eventually moved to New York City to work at Greenwich House, "Once with Peter Voulkos, and also as a recreational therapist, and a designer of dinnerware for Corning. A second six-week internship at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts reconnected me to my love of working with clay." Eventually Hammond relocated to Scarborough, NY and finally East Hampton, where she works in a custom built studio and sculpture garden to create sculpture for public places.

"Bird Unfolding" Photos provided by Phyllis Hammond

Hammond has worked as a instructor in the Summerfest Sag Harbor program and as an Adjunct Associate Professor associated with a number of schools including the Graduate School, College of New Rochelle, Marymount College in Tarrytown, Briarcliff Manor College, Hunter College High School in NYC, and New Canaan, CT Junior High School. In addition, she has conducted sculpting workshops in Mendocino, CA; Brookfield, CT; Lyndhurst, NY; and Scarborough Studio in NYC.

"Sculpture is my lifeline - I could only work for so long as a teacher or designer, then I would burn out," she commented. "If I am unhappy the stress causes back pain, breaks me down, yes, only psychologically - but that doesn't help to know that. Getting back to a happy place to work does."

The current President of the Artist Alliance of East Hampton (and a board member since 2003); Hammond is also a chairperson of the Artist Studio Visit for Friends of Guild Hall and a member of the LVIS of East Hampton, the East Hampton Arts and Culture Council, and the International Sculpture Center in NJ and the Clay Art Center in NYC. A former gallery director (1999-2002) of the LongHouse Reserve; Hammond is also a member of the American Association of University Women and the Town of East Hampton Comprehensive Plan/Art and Culture Subcommittee.

Hammond designed the award for The William Shakespeare Theatre Awards (the "Will") in 1988, which is given to performers in classical theatre; she is the recipient of numerous awards including the University of Florida at Pensacola Finalist for a Sculpture Garden (1991); Ragdale Artists Community, Lake Forest, IL Fellowship (1990); Woman in Design International Compendium - Certificate of Outstanding Achievement (1986); State Legislative Office Building, Hartford - Finalist, Percent for the Arts Program (1985); CT Commission Portals for a School – Finalist (1981); as well as a National Endowment for the Arts Grant (1981).

Hammond has completed a number of public art commissions throughout the United States, including a Commission For The Arts, Percentage for the Arts Program, Hartford, CT; and the American Savings Bank, Corporate Headquarters, White Plains, NY; as well as Schmeltzer, Aptaker, and Shepard Law Offices in Washington, D.C.; Centerpoint Office Complex, Fair Oaks, VA; Atrium for Cadillac Fairwell Corp. Headquarters, White Plains, NY; Guest Quarters Hotel, Bethesda, MD and a Unitarian Fellowship in Mt. Kisco.

"Bird Form Aluminum"

When did you start making art and what medium(s) did or do you work in or consider to be your roots in art?

Phyllis Baker Hammond: My work started as the challenge to master drawing - then clay and using the potters' wheel. Building of a kiln and firing - the incredible work ethic, stamina and focus is a gift from my father, who was a builder and craftsman.

I spent 10 years (1975-1985) being a part of the Pindar Gallery in New York City with five one-person exhibits, a space filled with clay walls, seven foot stoneware totem sculptures, and a 10 foot gateway leading the way to public commissions in bronze.

What is it about The Hamptons that brought you here and enticed you to stay, work, and pursue your art here as opposed to some place else?

PH: In 1966 I met Marie Wynn Kuhl, who was a professor at Southampton College, at the Clay Art Center in Port Chester, NY. After several invitations from her for my daughter and I to visit her in Sag Harbor, I began to really connect with this area. In 1970, Marie invited me to stay in her home and teach a winter at Southampton College, which I did – the quietness of the winter on the water was intense - and I loved the area.

How do you support yourself as an artist?

PH: It is a great thrill when I sell a sculpture and special when I receive recognition, however, we were lucky [my husband Aldo and I] as we both owned beautiful properties before we married and retirement brought freedom from work or having to make a living – so now I work without stress.

Why live and work in The Hamptons as opposed to elsewhere?

PH: In 1984 Westa and Ed Delagi, very dear friends, introduced a widowed colleague to me, Dr Aldo Perotto. The Delagas lived on Accabonac Creek in Springs-East Hampton. Both Aldo and The Creeks were love at first sight for me. Although it took us 10 years as weekenders to build our home and a new studio, we have enjoyed our life-long friends. Four years ago we purchased an apartment (to enjoy both summers) in Buenos Aries, Argentina, Aldo's country of birth and family.

What local environmental or historical aspects of The Hamptons do you relate to that may or may not be reflected in your medium?

"Swan Mist"

PH: The Springs is an incredibly rich art community both currently and historically. I love knowing Jackson Pollack and De Kooning lived in this neighborhood. Since my work has changed to colorful forms, liberated from the realism of the figurative, one could say it's related to this space, the blueness of the water on a sunny day, the grayness when it's moving, the blackness of rainy days or the mirror created on a still day; then the golden white sand or the greenness of spring's wetland grass. The sky, wind, birds, land, trees or moving deer all create changes in color and mode during the day; or it could be time, time to think, to go slow, to play and experiment and see what folds and unfolds - the serenity of just being in the moment - the interaction with the brightest people from here, the country and from all over the world.

Hammond expressed her hope that Supervisor William McGintee will recognize the need for an additional cultural center, particularly for local artists, in the Hamptons.

What artists do you feel have influenced you and or your work?

PH: Fortunately early in my education a four-year history of Art was required. From the earliest outlining of uniqueness and changes the individual artists have contributed to the world of ideas that are fascinating.

Today's its Alexander Calder's influence, color, form and playfulness. It's Mondrian for clearly defined space; it's Clement Meadmore for turning and twisting forms, it's Ernst Lurker for his concept of play arts, support and encouragement. I miss Irwin Perton, although Irwin will be back this summer but Norman Mercer will not. Its Bill King for aluminum sculptures, his humor gestures and improvisation, and Frank Stella for metal sculptures and his waves of ideas - to name a few.

"Hartford Phoenix" Bronze

What advice would you give an emerging artist?

PH: Belonging cooperatively to a group, sharing similar goals, besides the production of original work. There is an overwhelming amount of work involved in the business part of being an artist. Few artists are lucky and have the help they need, most of us are not lucky and the business end of art is crushing. Working together, no matter how briefly, like sharing an exhibition, can bring attention to your work and be fun and stimulating.

And try to understand why we are artists. The reasons are buried in a long forgotten past that can't be resolved by the act of simply making, exhibiting or selling an art work. Some needs are beyond us. The dynamic of working with a group is an enriching experience, especially to accomplish degrees of success. Just to be on the journey with others, sharing the same goals is exciting and to remember it's not how you've planned your life but the unexpected things that happen can be great.

What gives you an edge (if any)?

PH: In retrospect I am grateful to that crazy child, who was me, for giving me such an interesting journey in life. If success is measured in wonderful family, friends, and a chance to share my commitment of creative work and ideas, and to also have my health and longevity – well, that's my edge.

What are you working on now, and are you involved in any upcoming shows or exhibitions?

PH: Today's forms from original doodling - they are scanned into the computer, traced, placed on a waterjet machine (sized from one inch to eight feet) and cut in aluminum. The positive cutouts are twisted, bent, and wielded together to create moving sculptures. I'm excited about the upcoming Artist Studio Tour because it helps to provide local artists the opportunity to exhibit their work. Currently I'm exhibiting in the Guild Hall members show, and the Surface Library II "Fire & Smoke" exhibition in East Hampton through May 25.

To view more of Hammond's work visit her website at www.phyllishammond.com or email her at phyllis@phyllishammond.com. Hammond is also represented by the Kiesendahl & Calhoun Contemporary Gallery in Pleasantville, NY.