| Uwe Löllmann
 The
potter Uwe Löllmann ist deeply rooted in the tradition
of potting which was introduced to Western Europe by Bernard
Leach and Shoji Hamada in the twenties of the last century.
He has created pots which are powerful and calm and whose
impact on the onlooker owes itself to their artistic integrity.
Twice a year Löllmann fires his pots in a Japanese anagama-kiln
of eight metres length. A firing takes between seven and ten
days and requires the uninterrupted presence and attention
of the master and his two helpers. 25 cubic metres of well
seasoned pine wood are needed to raise the temperature to
1300° Celsius which is then kept right to the end.
Inside the kiln the flames contribute to the effort of the
potter: they lick the pots, transport ashes on their surfaces
where they melt and merge with the clay, leaving all kinds
of black-fissured patterns and greens which range from glassy
marine hues to brilliant emerald. Notwithstanding the potter’s
experience of many years and the greatest possible diligence
in the execution of his craft: firing pots in a wood-fired
anagama will always remain a hazard and a challenge, because
the interplay of earth and fire cannot be completely calculated.
 Uwe
Löllmann has never aimed at a markedly personal note
in his pots but to make them look as natural and convincing
in their self-evidence as the elements of which he creates
them. So in his best work we encounter a precious balance
of audacity and tenderness, daring and purity, liveliness
and calm.
|
September
4 - October 9, 2005:
