Trial By Fire
Jacob Herrmann’s juxtaposition of past and current works follows the path of life
The psychedelic techniques and swirled fusion of multicolored clay of Jacob Herrmann’s current creations are vastly different from
his previous and more understated bowls, drinkware and mugs.
“My work has shifted pretty dramatically,” he says. “The first 10 years of working with clay, it revolved around the wood-firing
process. The work was meant to be direct, honest forms that were marked by the flame in the kiln and heavily influenced by process
and tradition. In that way, the new work is similar yet inspired by agateware pottery and borosilicate glass art.”
His process involves layering and marbling different colors of clay to create mind-bending patterns that pack a bold punch. The
process of formation
is much slower but
came about from a
major (albeit happy)
life change.
“Wood firing was
my main interest, but
since having a daugh-ter
it has changed,”
says Herrmann. “A
lot has changed, one
being the amount of
time I have to spend
in the studio. Wood
firing requires a lot
of time inside and
outside, prepping the
wood and kiln. My
work has evolved to
working in colored
porcelain. It’s still
very process oriented,
but it’s a much slower
process and allows
me to juggle working
with clay, dad life and
teaching.”
Herrmann teaches
wheel throwing one
night a week. He says
Orange Street Pottery
is more than a place to
learn but lends a social
environment for both
students and teachers
to connect and share
their experiences.
ALLISON POTTER
46 march 2022
WBM