ENGThe Workshop "Voguls"
At the beginning of ‘80s, looking at traditions through the prism of his
personality, looking for layers of new impressions, studying Neolithic
ceramics, the creative heritage of the ceramists of Ludza, and applying the
advice of Ādams Kāpostiņš, he revives in his kiln the firing technology of black smoked ceramics.
The artist’s knowledge and skills, his feel for material and talent allows
creating modern pieces of work loaded with the experience of the past and
personal insight, stylistically consequent, with intensive vaulting and
balanced mass. Mugs with soft, fluent form, slender necked vases, pots with
enriched volume, and candlesticks with graphically balanced silhouettes obtain
monumental view. The laconism in the image of the works agrees with the refined
and subtle balance of the rich gradation of black and grayish tones obtained
through a masterfully controlled firing process. Geometrical patterns with
cosmological origin accentuate the aura of the harmonious proportions of the
pottery. The refined soft culture allows creating with aesthetically flawless
perfection, which certifies to the creative maturity of the artist. Voldemārs
realizes the breadth of his plans and interests not only in ceramics but also
in poetry. Voldemārs Voguls has been writing poetry since 1973; however the
first publication in press is found only in 1993 in “Mōras zeme” newspaper because at the times of USSR it was impossible to publish an
article in the Latgalian language. The poetry of Voldemārs shows a portrayal of natural scenery, motives of love, and belief in
God. When describing his work, the artist states: “Our Latgale and Latvia is in
my heart. Our language. I am happy in my soul that it has survived; I sometimes
feel sad that we do not appreciate it to the full. This is how poetry appears
in the times of thinking about Latvia. To me, Latvia is my ancestors, my wife
and sons and their future, of course, together with everything and everyone.”
In 1979 Voldemārs married Olga, born Murāne.
On 2
January 1981 their sons were born – the twins Jānis and Māris. Both sons got to know the rich world
of art since early childhood and have been creating ceramic work. Voldemārs has
passed his skills to the sons and raised them in the traditions of religious
families.
Voldemārs un Olga
Voldemārs was born in
1952 in Rēzekne. Studied in Rēzekne Art School. Further improved his skills
under the teaching of prominent masters of Latgale J.Backāns, O.Kāpostiņš,
A.Ušpelis. The first of the Latgalian ceramists to revive the traditions of
smoke-fired ceramics. The knowledge in this field is provided by O.Kāpostiņš.
Olga was born in 1953
in Rēzekne. Declares her view in ceramics by decorating plates and the many
works of V.Voguls. In decoration uses scraping, brush painting and pressing
techniques. Has receives many certificates of recognition for maintaining and
improving the traditions of Latgalian ceramics.
Has organized tens of
exhibitions in Latvia.
Has participated in
foreign exhibitions organized by the Artists’ Union of Latvia in
- Germany,
- Austria,
- Bulgaria,
- Hungary,
- France,
- Moscow,
- Sweden.
Personal exhibitions in:
- Germany (1994),
- Norway (1995),
- Finland (1996),
- Several exhibitions in Rēzekne,
- Ventspils,
- Bauska,
- Talsi,
- Rīga
- and elsewhere.
Awards:
- in 1977 All-Union exhibition “Artists for the
Motherland” in Moscow awarded a 1st degree diploma.
- in 1979 awarded a diploma of the Artists’ Union,
the Ministry of Culture and the Academy of Art of the USSR.
- in 1982 for the most significant creative
contribution of the year awarded A.Paulāns’ medal and diploma.
- in 2003 an award of the Ministry of Culture of
Latvia.
in 2005 for accomplishments
to the benefit of Latvia nominated a bearer of the Order of the Three Stars.
Jānis
Born in 1981 in Rēzekne. Jānis is a talented creator
of forms. He is especially good at creating large forms built from one large
piece of clay. Has participated in exhibitions since age 16. Every year he
participates in exhibitions organized as part of the Latgale Potters Days
events.
Exhibitions:
- 1997 - joint exhibition with V. Voguls and
M.Voguls in Rīga;
- 2002 - joint exhibition with V.Voguls and M.Voguls
in the House of the Blackheads in Rīga,
- 2004 - personal exhibition in Gulbene,
- 2005 - participated in the exhibition in Belarus,
Vitebsk city,
- 2006 - participated in the exhibition in
Italy, Marchiano city,
- 2008 - participated in the exhibition in Italy,
Roana city,
- 2011 - personal exhibition in Lendži parish,
- 2012 - personal exhibitions in Rēzekne and in
Daugavpils.
Māris
Born in 1981 in Rēzekne. His talent is especially noticeable in the creation of fine shapes. Started participating in exhibitions in 1997. Every year he participates in exhibitions organized as part of the Latgale Potters Days events.
Exhibitions:
- 1997 - joint exhibition with V. Voguls and
J.Voguls in Rīga;
- 2002 - joint exhibition with V.Voguls and J.Voguls
in the House of the Blackheads in Rīga;
- 2006 - participated in the exhibition in
Italy, Marchiano city;
- 2008 - participated in the exhibition in Italy,
Roana city;
- 2011 - personal exhibition in Lendži parish;
- 2012 - personal exhibitions in Rēzekne and in
Daugavpils.
