
“Earth, water, air and fire. Gabriele Koch’s lovely pots speak of all four of those elements as vividly as any I know.”
Sir David Attenborough.
“This new monograph by Tony Birks…is packed with fascinating information about the life, motivation and working practices of an outstanding potter. A brief introduction by Sir David Attenborough is followed by a sensitively written biography of Gabriele Koch’s life from birth in post-war Germany, through experiences, events and memories that have affected her development as an artist….
Of special interest to any would-be handbuilder in clay is the section devoted to Gabriele Koch’s description of the techniques used in producing her distinctive large vessel forms. These seven pages are of enormous value because every sentence is crucial to understanding the processes involved. Well-chosen photographs are included here, illustrating the concise text and explaining how she develops the form from beginning to completion….
The folio section, occupying almost three quarters of the book, is filled with excellent pictures revealing the progression of her works from 1980 onwards. Most of these pots exhibit such tremendous ‘presence’ that one can sense the tension created, as if the walls are being stretched by the force of containment.“
Peter Lane, Ceramic Review, March/April 2010
The book is published by and available from Stenlake Publishing, www.stenlake.co.uk
ISBN 978 1 84033 4708, hardback, with over 100 pots illustrated in colour. £19.95.