Description
Large bowl with wonderful glazes by the Dutch studio ceramist Hans van Riessen (1946-2018). In very good condition, diameter 33, heigth 11 cm
Hans van Riessen was born in Haarlem in 1946. From 1966 to October 1972, he was a student of Frans Slot, from whom he learned the tricks of the trade. Like Slot’s work, his work is shaped on a wheel. After Frans Slot’s death in 1974, he moved to Vledderveen. His work fits squarely in the tradition of Frans Slot and Chris Lanooij, placing him among the ceramists of the “Epe School.” He composes his own glazes and experiments with them. His work is fired in a flame kiln. This wood-fired and peat-fired kiln was once used by Frans Slot. It was dismantled in Epe and completely rebuilt in Vledderveen, Drenthe. Under Slot’s direction, the kiln opening was moved from the side to the front. Such a kiln is particularly suitable for creating traditional Chinese glazes, frequently using the reduction process. The shapes of the vases are often classical, and Chinese influences are clearly visible there as well. As early as 1968, he exhibited at the first art markets. In 1970, his first exhibition took place at Bloemendaal Town Hall. Frans Slot and his wife Lien were also present. Frans saw potential in the then-young Hans and asked him if he would be willing to live with them (temporarily) at “De Clinge.” Before that, he spent many weekends with the Slot family. There, he could learn to fire the kiln and further develop his skills. In October 1971, Slot’s pottery restarted, after having closed in 1970 due to health problems. In October/November 1972, the last exhibition at “De Clinge” took place, and the curtain fell for “Het atelier Slot.” In May 1973, Hans built his own studio in Vledderveen (Dr.) with Slot’s kiln. The thrown pieces are often thin-walled. The design, like the glazes, is also related to Slot’s work. The ceramist signs them with J.H. van Riessen, or for smaller pieces, JHR. In 2013, he was still working and can be visited daily. Hans van Riessen passed away in Zwolle on July 18, 2018. With his passing, a passionate potter par excellence, the last in the Netherlands to work with a wood- and peat-fired kiln, passed away. His great wish was that the kiln, potter’s wheel, glaze mill, drying racks, etc. (all from Frans Slot’s estate) would be moved back to Epe as part of a museum. Van Riessen also housed the Crevecoeur and Lanooy potter’s wheels (kind message from Wim van de Wal, for which he is sincerely grateful). See also the website, which will remain online for the time being: www.hansvanriessen.nl. (this textsource: www.capriolus.nl).
