A Katrich Treasury

The Artist's Choice of
Favorite Luster Vessels

Themes from Music and Poetry

The Descriptions are by Paul J. Katrich

"Angels Playing Nine Pins", 1129 (12"):
Tony McCormack Collection.

"In Washington Irving's classic tale, Rip Van Winkle,
the source of thunder is a game of celestial Nine Pins.
Why not?"

"Great Day In The Morning", 1104 (13"):
Corbo-Lytwyn Collection.

"The title derives from the old song,
"Walk the streets of glory on that
great day in the morning.""

"Empyrean", 1082 (9" Diameter):
Bruce and Linda McKenzie Collection.

"Dante's Divine Comedy culminates in a
vision of the "celestial rose," or
inner-most heaven. For Dante it is the
point in his narration "where vigor fails
the lofty fantasy." His words are inadequate
to describe the experience, and he returns to
the terrestrial realm."

"Judgement Day", 1050 (14"):
Phillip Morici Collection.

"I've never regarded apocalyptic visions as
necessarily a negative thing. On this vase,
the cosmos is being renewed and re-ordered;
the cycle has reached its destined conclusion."

"The Burning Bush", 1035 (13"):
Woodall-Woolmer Collection.

"The burning bush is an actual plant,
which turns an almost neon red in Autumn.
I appreciate the biblical image of
branches aflame, yet unconsumed by fire.

A potter uses fire in much the same way.
Each piece is a small miracle; a covenant
with the kiln, and the powers that be."

"When The Stars Begin To Fall", 1008 (16"):
Bruce and Linda McKenzie Collection.

"From the traditional folk song,
"You will hear the shout of victory,
when the stars begin to fall.""

"Aladdin's Cave", 0994 (13"):
Nickel-Horvath Collection.

"Hidden treasures lie within the imagination."

"Summit Of The Stars", 0993 (12-1/4"):
Nickel-Horvath Collection.

"From the Book of Job: "Is not God in the
height of Heaven; yet behold, the Summit of
the Stars, how exalted are they!""

"Better Angels Of Our Nature"
(from Abraham Lincoln's First
Inaugural Address), 0960 (15"):
Leah Gordon Collection.

"Few persons have offered the world more profound
statements than Abraham Lincoln. This piece is
from his first inaugural address.

"Depicted here, angels are not corporeal beings,
but the striving for something innate and positive."

"Evening Star"
(from the Edgar Allan Poe poem), 0951 (13"):
Collection of the Artist.

"Poe is a writer of such gifts and accomplishments
that it is difficult to give him adequate credit.
Beyond the stereotypes and haunted themes, he
often transcends in unexpected ways. This vase
is a gentle tribute to one of my favorite authors."

Read "Evening Star" by Edgar Allan Poe.

"Prometheus Unbound"
(from Percy Shelley and Aeschylus), 0938 (15"):
Ron and Miriam Forim Collection.

"Legend has it that it was Prometheus
who gave mankind the gift of fire.
He is a natural icon for potters."

"The Angelus", 0936 (14-1/2"):
Nickel-Horvath Collection.

"Once, no Victorian home was complete without a
framed print of the famous painting, "The Angelus,"
by Millais. Van Gogh was partial to this respectful
depiction: a peasant couple giving thanks at the
end of a day's work. I wished to interpret this
same theme of quiet gratitude, and an underlying glory.
This piece is one of my very favorites."

"Escape At Bedtime"
(from the Robert Louis Stevenson poem), 0820 (11"):
Valerie and Eron Epstein Collection.

"I have always loved the poetry of
Robert Louis Stevenson, especially
A Child's Garden of Verses.

"This vase was a component of my solo
exhibition in New York City, in 2004.
The text of "Escape at Bedtime"
best explains the theme."

"Patriot Corona", 0763:
Ron and Miriam Forim Collection.

"Beyond its symbolic meaning, the American flag
is a great piece of graphic art. From artists
as diverse as Childe Hassam and Jasper Johns,
it occurs again and again in visual interpretations.
Here is my addition to the subject."

"Alpha and Omega", 0760:
Private Collection in New York City.

"This vase draws its life from many sources.
I admire ancient Persian pottery and its
adherence to script and geometry for decoration.
The idea of gilded symbols comes from medieval
and Carolingian manuscripts, where the writings
are beautiful in and of themselves.

"I once saw a painting by Petrus Christus,
with a vision of the Virgin surrounded by
branches hung with golden gothic letters,
variously reflecting the light.

"Somehow, all of these disparate ideas came
together, and this vase is the result."

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