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Matthew Lovein
(American)
Matthew
Lovein’s signature piece, called the Wish Keeper™ is his original
design and concept which first began in 1992. The artist's wife, Mary
explained, “He woke me in the night and said, ‘I’m going to make a
Wish Keeper™. I’ve seen it in a dream’.” The dream showed the
vessel which sits on a distinctive base and has a lid formed like
bamboo, representing strength and flexibility. When lifting the lid a
silk cord is revealed with an inner chamber which holds a parchment with
your written wish.
The ancient symbol on the seal represents good fortune and abundance.
When he first saw the symbol on the finial of a lamp, he knew it was the
one that would become the Wish Keeper’s seal. Each piece is sealed by
pressing the carved symbol into the wet clay, for a lifetime of good
wishes.
This artwork has made its mark in the world of ceramic art and today can
be found in homes and offices around the world, sometimes a glimpse in a
TV program about a celebrity home or in the pages of an architectural
magazine showcasing an interior design.
Making other shapes and sizes of Wish Keeper™ developed into various
sculptures and other mediums. His expansive studio is equipped with
kilns for firing glass and ceramics and a metal working shop.
Raku is a 16th century process that was used in the Orient to make very
special cups for the sacred tea ceremony. They chose to use that style
of firing because each piece is unique and cannot be duplicated, with
the crackles and patterns from the smoke and fire.
After each Wish Keeper™ is fired, a special formula of glaze is applied
and the piece is fired again to 2000 degrees. Then the artist, wearing
a fireman's suit and a fresh air respirator, removes the bright orange
glowing piece from the kiln. It is then lowered into a container of dry
combustibles that are gathered from the surrounding area. After
catching fire, the container is covered and the magic begins, with the
movement of the smoke and flames.
Once the firing is complete, the vessel is removed, washed, and scrubbed
like a newborn infant. Each is different and emerges with its own
distinct characteristics. Part of the whole experience of Raku is the
acceptance and appreciation of all the variations that arrive through
the spontaneous process. The procedure takes a lot of endurance and
finesse to perfect and the results of excellence are measurably
rewarding.
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