Rago Auctions

RUTH PUMPHREY was an artist and journalist hailing from the American Pacific Northwest. Her artistic endeavors primarily revolved around painted and burnished ceramics, with a focus on sculptural forms characterized by organic and flowing shapes. During the 1970s, Pumphrey embarked on a unique journey, residing on a houseboat off the coast of Fir Island in the La Conner region. Here, she embraced the countercultural ethos of disconnecting from societal norms and immersing herself deeper into nature. Influenced by the teachings of the renowned Northwest artist, Clayton James, Pumphrey also drew inspiration from the works of Barbara Hepworth, Jean Arp, and Henry Moore, as well as ancient Aztec sculpture and Inuit design.

While predominantly based in Seattle throughout her life, Pumphrey made significant contributions to the field of journalism, particularly as a trailblazer for women in the industry. Alongside her artistic pursuits in her home studio, she distinguished herself in her career with notable roles at news outlets such as the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and King TV.