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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Spencer MacCallum by Charmayne Samuelson is a biography of MacCallum, who was born during WWII and grew up in Mexico with his mother, Lucile, and brother Crawford, while his grandfather Spencer Heath influenced his philosophy. After studying at Phillips Academy, Princeton, and the University of Washington, MacCallum focused on Native American art, rediscovering artifacts for his senior thesis. He later collaborated closely with Juan Quezada, a potter from Mata Ortiz, Mexico, helping establish an internationally recognized pottery movement. MacCallum supported Juan and his family—Reynaldo, Lydia, Nicolás—and managed a gallery in San Pedro. Despite health and financial issues, MacCallum promoted indigenous culture, authored works on social issues, and in later years lived with his wife Emi in Casas Grandes, continuing to champion Mata Ortiz pottery and local artisans.
Spencer MacCallum: Memories, Mystique, Mata Ortiz by Charmayne Samuelson is a well-written and thorough account of Spencer MacCallum’s fully fleshed-out life, mixing his early international experiences, academic pursuits, and dedication to indigenous art and culture. The writing is simple and straightforward, effectively presenting the influence of MacCallum’s contributions to revitalizing Mata Ortiz pottery. The detailed portrayal does a great job of showing us who MaCallum the man is, and his wonderfully enduring commitment to promoting local artisans, his role in building community connections, and in advancing cultural preservation. The biography thoughtfully documents the technical and social aspects of the pottery movement, which is something I was unfamiliar with going into the book. Overall, this is an informative and accessible read about a unique figure who bridged anthropology, art, and social philosophy with care and dedication.