Lucie Rie: The Artistic Journey of a Ceramic Pioneer
Lucie Rie (1902 - 1995) trained in ceramics in Vienna. Her work shaped 20th - century pottery, melding traditional ceramic techniques with modernist design.
Early in her career, she had remarkable success. She won prizes at the 1935 Brussels International Exposition, the 1936 Milan Triennial, and the 1937 Paris International Exposition.
Artistry and Technique
Growing up in Vienna, Rie was influenced by European Modernism. Her artistry was evident in her hand - thrown vessels. These pieces deviated from the British ceramic trends of the era.
She used the technique of sgraffito, scratching through a layer of slip to reveal a different color beneath, creating intricate patterns on the surface of her pots. This added an element of visual interest.
Her forms were simplified. Instead of complex, ornate shapes, she favored clean, uncluttered designs. This simplicity allowed the beauty of the materials and her craftsmanship to shine.
Rie was also known for her use of a wide variety of colorful glazes. These glazes not only added a splash of color but also enhanced the texture and depth of her pieces.
In her tablewares from the 50s and 60s, her true functionalism came through. For example, her elegant tea and coffee sets had incised decoration. The iron - flecked salad bowls and lidded pots were practical yet aesthetically pleasing.
She worked with a disciplined routine of throwing and raw glazing. This repetitive yet precise process expanded the possibilities of what could be achieved with the potter's wheel.
Later in life, she focused more on decorative individual pieces. After her death in 1995, her studio was reconstructed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, a testament to her lasting influence.
She shared a studio with Hans Coper for years. After she died in 1995, the studio was rebuilt at London's Victoria and Albert Museum.
How do you think her European background affected her work in London?
What can you learn from her mix of traditional and modern techniques for your own ceramic work?
