A Katrich Treasury

The Artist's Choice of
Favorite Luster Vessels

Glorious Glazes

The Descriptions are by Paul J. Katrich.

1146 (5-1/2"):
Len and Terry Senior Collection.

"There are more than seven glazes in concert
on this vase. A carnival of unexpected colors
and chance harmonies."

1127 (8"):
Nickel-Horvath Collection.

"Reds and yellows are traditionally the
most difficult colors for a potter to achieve.
Fine examples of such glazes are to be prized
when they occur."

1092 (6-1/2"):
Private Collection in New York City.

"The shape of this uncommon, asymmetrical vase
derives from the traditional barley-twist columns
of Solomon's temple. It's fun to occasionally
go off-balance."

1088 (8-1/4"):
Private Collection in New York City.

"The gold and blue glaze reminds me of
frozen lightning; hieroglyphs in the sky --
order from randomness."

1062 (5-1/2"):
Private Collection in Florida.

"A sunlit, tropical stained-glass window."

"Vector", 1029 (5-1/2"):
Private Collection.

"An homage to the Art Deco era."

1027 (5"):
Leigh Infield Collection.

"An exploration of rhythm in emerald green."

0997 (7"):
Private Collection in New York City.

"Inspired by a Wiener Werkstatte textile
from the 1920's."

0969 (7-3/4"):
Woodall-Woolmer Collection.

"A message in archaic writing,
waiting to be deciphered."

"Egyptian Votive", 0956 (8-3/4"):
Private Collection.

"There is a characteristic vessel from
pre-dynastic Egypt found at the holy site
of Nagada. These were offering vases used
for food libations or gifts to accompany
the deceased to the afterlife. I have long
admired this simple, elegant pottery."

"Ancient Echoes", 0910 (7"):
Nickel-Horvath Collection.

"The glaze on this vessel emulates the effects
of verdigris on ancient bronzes. It may recall
Minoan, Etruscan, Roman or even Greek pottery
in form."

0796 (14"):
Richard and Linda Fusco Collection.

"Afternoon sunlight through a forest glade."

0783 (5"):
Phillip Morici Collection.

"The wings of a fantastic butterfly."

0752 (14-1/4"):
Raulston-Birbilis Collection.

"The red sky full of fireflies."

0740 (7-3/4"):
Private Collection.

"A rare, red vase, which greatly pleased me,
exceeding my expectations."

0728 (4-1/4"):
Private Collection.

"This vessel combines two ideas:
pottery from ancient Nubia, and perhaps
an antique electrical insulator. It exists
outside of time or category."

0569:
Nickel-Horvath Collection.

"The first example of a "volcanic frost" glaze.
A happy experiment, yielding good things."

0450:
Allan Wunsch Collection.

"A small meteorite from a far galaxy."

0401:
Audel and Lynne Davis Collection.

"Several examples of this full-chromatic glaze
exist in my repertoire. This is one of the
earliest, and possibly the finest."

0326 (7-1/2"):
Craftsman Farms Museum Collection.

"A molten pot of many colors.
A gift of the kiln."

0317 (7-3/4"):
Bruce and Linda McKenzie Collection.

"Volcanic glazes of this type were most likely
invented by the great American ceramicist,
Hugh Robertson, at the Dedham Pottery, in the
late 19th century. He was certainly the first
ceramic artist to actively utilize this effect
for aesthetic purposes.

"Robertson has a major influence on my own work.
I hold him in high esteem."

0296 (Diam: 7", Ht: 4-1/2"):
Collection of the Artist.

"On this rare reticulated bowl, the inside
becomes the outside, and vice-versa. The
portholes were actually quite difficult to
make, without damaging the piece."

0270 (Diam: 7-1/2", Ht: 4-1/2"):
Collection of the Artist.

"This bowl is one of those chance gifts of the kiln.
Before firing, I anticipated the interior to be a
uniform blue. The effect could never be repeated."

0242:
Bruce and Linda McKenzie Collection.

"This serene vase was commissioned by the
original owner for its meditative properties.
I hope that it has the desired effect."

RLBBGO1 (Diam: 4-1/2", Ht: 3-1/2"):
Collection of the Artist.

"I have long cherished this bowl.
It developed the orange flows from
a happy freak of glazing and firing."

RLPBLGR1:
Private Collection.

"One of the several very-early vessels
in the Persian taste. It took some time
to develop an Egyptian turquoise glaze
that pleased me."

CLVPKLP:
Private Collection.

"This early bottle was one of the first
successful luster-glazed pieces. I like
the simple dignity of its monochrome glaze."

Michael Nickel and Cynthia Horvath in 2006
with their collection of Katrich Pottery.

Treasury of Katrich Pottery

A Personal Note from the Artist

Dear Friends, Patrons and Pottery Enthusiasts,

From the past decade, I have assembled these examples of my pottery to create a "virtual museum." I believe these vessels to be of special merit, both aesthetic and technical. They are sentimental favorites, because of uniquely successful glazes, and expressive of broad and unusual inspirations.

It has proven a fascinating exercise and aide to memory, to sift through the 1200 extant works.

I wish to express my gratitude for the interest and cooperation of my patrons, whose help has been invaluable. All of the wonderful photographs are the work of George A. Lees, who bears great responsibility for the prosperity of this enterprise.

Enjoy!
Paul J. Katrich