Abstract Expressionist Tea Bowl

This Japanese Tea Bowl is one of the best examples in our time that hearkens back to the time of Voulkos.  It is created by one of the finest artists of our day, Jay Strommen, who worked directly with Peter Voulkos. Strommen is producing pottery that is technically and spiritually in the spirit of Abstract Expressionism but with Strommen’s own twist and the extraordinarily strong presence of his personality.

The piece is comprised of two thrown bowls that have been violently broken and reassembled. The bowls and many shards have been unified together in a disorganized but balanced and satisfying work, recording the many movements of the artist. They are unified into one magnificent work, completely abstract in nature.

There is an extraordinary sense, presence and balance, unification and resolution in this piece. It takes your breath away with its startling sense of symmetry by the placement of shards, large and obvious functional pieces and his ingenious placement of all of these into a whole. It has a satisfying presence and is Zen-like in effect.

The surfaces of the pieces are rough and give the impression of a piece created perhaps thousands of years ago. It is very ancient in presence. The value of the piece is high for several reasons. Pieces of this genre are not being produced at this time. The owner of this piece will experience the artistry of Voulkos, Soldner, and a myriad of other abstract potters. This is in addition to Strommen’s own strong personality and highly virtuosic skills. He will be, and is obviously one of the finest artists of our time.

         The owner of this piece will have a work of art that will only increase in value, as Strommen’s other works presently are. He is a master of his craft and a free thinker, producing works that have the strong stamp of his personality. The reinventing of himself is demonstrated in other works in this gallery. This is truly a prize.

Strommen’s biography is located at the beginning of this site. His pedigree is of great value.

CODE 06 - 01