Posted 13 years ago
vetraio50
(756 items)
Stoneware decorated with tenmoku, grey and black matt glazes, Australian, c. 1973, painted 'BS' monogram, height 37 cm.(14.5 ins), diameter 13.5 cm. (5.3 ins).
Bernard Sahm, active 1949-c1990
This vase from the 1970’s is one of the “columnar ‘pipe’ shaped vessels” that maintained a thread of kinship from the 1960s through to the 2000s.
This vase was bought at the Rozelle markets about three years ago. I had decided that I would like some more Australian studio pieces. I liked the sculptural qualities of the piece which was being sold by an ex-student of mine who deals in good quality items. I have learnt to trust the 'eye' of this young man. It reminded me of a chess piece at first and of a Samurai warrior: traditional, familiar shapes but with a comical twist.
Unlike most contemporary ceramic artists, Sahm's early ceramic training was in commercial studio Martin Boyd Pottery, Terra Ceramics in Sydney and, in 1956, at Gutenhalde Ceramics in Stuttgart. The Sahms then travelled to Britain, where Bernard secured work at Harry and May Davis's Crowan Potteryn near St Ives, in Cornwall, England. He was throwing an amazing 100 lidded pots a day.
''His work is strong and elegant. He is a traditionalist but he is never dull or conventional.'' wrote the critic James Gleeson.
Bernard Sahm was a greatly respected potter whose work is represented in all the major galleries of Australia. Sahm’s original approach to his art took up the counter-cultural spirit of the times using parody and wit to portray what Sahm saw as the absurdities in society. Themes from an exhibiton in Faenza Italy in 1976 were: Pillars of Society, Art Machines, Mind Modifying Machines, Concept Dispensers, Helpful Hints, and Funerary Urns. Over time the nature of his output increasingly blurred the distinction between ceramics and sculpture while at the same time critiquing society and specifically the art world. The ceramic work of Bernard Sahm (1926-2011) is represented in all the major galleries of Australia.
Teaching and Academic Positions
1964-1976 Taught Ceramics at National Art School, Sydney.
1977-1984 Senior Lecturer and Head of Ceramics Department, Sydney College of the Arts.
The success of many ceramic artists who have graduated from the Sydney College of the Arts stands as a testament to his vision.
Many thanks mrmajestic1, scandinavian_pieces & Budek too!
Many thanks Bellin!
Ozpots have been a passion for a long time!
I find this vase simply amazing. I LOVE IT!
Ah austro buon compleanno ... feliz cumpleaños!
And many thanks for the lurv!
It's always very interesting to have these explanations. Collectors Weekly is good for that because the pages are well found by Google and propagate informations which very often are not to be found on other internet sitres, and even not in Wikipedia.
Many thanks cobaltcobold. I have found a reference to a German artist who worked with Sahm in Germany: "Sahm travelled to Europe in 1956 visiting potteries in Greece and Italy, and working for 6 months at ‘Gutenhalde Ceramics’ in Stuttgart with a German/ Czech master model-maker who had undertaken public commissions around the city."
I have not been able to track down the identity of this artist. Would you have any ideas?
One name I have for the period will be Liesel Wähner.
Many thanks cobaltcobold. I have found a reference to a German artist who worked with Sahm in Germany: "Sahm travelled to Europe in 1956 visiting potteries in Greece and Italy, and working for 6 months at ‘Gutenhalde Ceramics’ in Stuttgart with a German/ Czech master model-maker who had undertaken public commissions around the city."
I have not been able to track down the identity of this artist. Would you have any ideas?
One name I have for the period will be Liesel Wähner.
No, I don't. I like ceramics, but I don't know anything about it. but you find some offers on ebay:
http://stores.ebay.de/objects4you/Gutenhalde-Keramik-/_i.html?_fsub=1617877015
I could write to the dealer, if you want to.
I'd appreciate any help you could give me on this one cobalt!
Mein Deutsch ist nicht so gut!
Many thanks cork & miKKoChristmas11 too!
Hey Mikko how are you?
Apologies cwork! The autocorrect on this version of Safari is very busy!
@vetraio50 I'll need a little time, but I'll do it.
Thanks mate. At your leisure, I'm grateful to you for any help.
So, yes, objects4you sent me an answer: Liesel Wähner worked at Gutenhalde Keramik from 1953 to 58 and made pieces wich were very much taste of that time. Matt finish, black, wide openings, asymmetric designs. She was an art teacher and worked again as art techer after the Cloging of Gutenhalde.
Many thanks cobalt.
Many thanks cwork & miKKoChristmas11 too!
Many thanks ho2cultcha!
I don't ever recall seeing this one Kevin? its astunning and very beautiful Mate!!!! Great pick:)
Many thanks SEAN!
Out of the distant past. Still beside the bed, though!
Your very welcome Kevin:) LOL:)
Many thanks Moonstonelover and to you too getthatmonkeyoutofme!
Many thanks mustangT and bratjdd too!
Many thanks AGHCOLLECT, GETTHATMONKEYOUTOFME 'n HO2CULTURE!