Steven Heinemann

Canadian, b. 1957

Double bowl, 1996

earthenware

(a) bowl: 10.3 x 36.7 x 18.8 cm; (b) bowl: 9.1 x 33.6 x 18.8 cm

Collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery; Acquired with funds from the Mrs. George H. Sellers donation

G-97-224 ab

Categories:

Ceramic, Studio

In 1993 Steven Heinemann returned to the bowl and open vessel format following a lengthy period of sculptural work. He is intrigued by the “pottery space” of his vessels—both the space they contain and the space they inhabit. He attempts with his sparse and muted vessels to balance the natural materiality of his medium with its vast cultural history. The thin-walled bowls of incredible delicacy and elegance exhibit a restrained decoration. The glazes are simple, the exterior surface decoration largely monochromatic with minimal colour on the interior. Texture is important to the artist, and surface alterations, such as deliberate cracking, are often applied and emphasized through glazing.