Born in Nairobi, Magdalene Odundo is a leading figure in ceramic art, blending traditional techniques with contemporary forms. After initially studying graphic design in Kenya and India, Odundo moved to England in 1971 to deepen her artistic pursuits at the Cambridge College of Art. It was there she discovered her passion for pottery, prompting travels to Kenya, Nigeria, and New Mexico to explore indigenous ceramic methods. Her work, characterized by its elegant forms and reflections on the human body as a vessel, incorporates influences from Greek, Chinese, Aztec, and African art, showcasing her ability to bridge cultural divides through art. Odundo earned her BA from St. Joseph’s College of Art and a Masters from the Royal College of Art, London. She has served as a professor at The Surrey Institute of Art & Design, University College, and has recently retired. Odundo’s contributions to the arts were recognized when she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2008. Her work continues to inspire across generations and cultures, highlighted by her recent appointment as a Guest Artist in Residence at The Clay Studio, where she also received an Honor Award from the National Council on Education in the Ceramic Arts (NCECA).
