The moment we pulled up his long drive way, I was filled with Excitement. I noticed a an old school house and another architecturally curious Building. I wasn't sure which was his studio and which was his house. Eventually after knocking on both, a very sweet, well groomed 85 year old man approached us.
Jack is clearly in love with the process of his work. He showed us around his studio and showroom, originally Klienburgs only school house built in 1867(if I remember correctly)! His space was drenched in alive, creative energy, cover in clay and to say the very least it was INSPIRING!
He told us stories of his 50 years as a professional potter with his wife Lorraine, who I never got to meet, but saw her work of hand built figurines and highly detailed painted pieces.
Reluctantly, at the age of 85 he is closing this chapter of his life as a potter and artist. He kept saying "I just want to do one more kiln load, even just a half".
It was amazing to witness his genuine love for his craft, even after 50 years! he showed us a 12" stack of postcards, they were various adverts from the shows, sales, gallery events etc., that he had kept over the years, but spoke most fondly of his annual home studio sale. The best was when he told me how many thousands he would make at his sale and followed by saying " ya, but it was a fuck-load of work" we all laughed and laughed!
I came home that night to my newly renovated home studio, wishing for that same richness, life, and creative vibe I felt there at Jack and Lorraine's. What an experience!
I saw and felt how important it is to spend your life doing what you are truly passionate about it. After all, our lives are o greatest creations!
here are a few pics Dave snapped.
enjoy~
Lora
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| Jack Herman and I |
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| His studio |
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| We got a kick out of this old kiln held together with string! |
HI..
ReplyDeleteI found you by googling Jack.
A friend of mine Adam Beales bought Jacks massive gas kiln and are currently removing it.
I am goin back there tomorrow to take some pics of Jacks last work (for real). I would like to contact you regarding a possible article for Fusion Magazine.
would it be possible to talk about this?
Thanks, Frans Rood french-red ceramics
fransrood@yahoo.ca
Lora:
ReplyDeleteThank you for the interview you had done last year with Jack Herman. What a delightful story. I googled Jack because I had happened by a piece of pottery this week in my muskoka travels. It is a very large wonderful mermaid with a green/turquoise scales and lovely slate/blue hair. I truly love this but it is damaged...her tail fin is completely missing. Im wondering if he had given any insight as to weather repairs can be made to such a de"tailed" sculpture? Thank you so much for your time.