Ancient stone wheels and a modern twist
- Lothar preserves the endangered craft of cold glass working
- He was one of 100 artists selected for the New Glass Now exhibition in 2019
- He co-founded an international collective of cold workers called the Lathe Riders
Lothar Böttcher is one of the few remaining cold workers in the world who still cut glass in a traditional way, on stone wheels. “This ancient practice dates back to a prehistoric age, when tools were made through glyphic processes, such as knapping obsidian," he says. “I feel a strong connection to this lineage and often express this in my sculptural work.” Lothar trained under master artisans in South Africa and Germany, and over the years has developed his skills in traditional cut glass, with a twist. His interest in his craft's traditions is also reflected through his love of the versatility and liveliness stone wheels offer, compared to modern diamond tools. He belongs to a small, global community of glass cutters and is actively involved in inspiring the next generation of cold workers.
Interview
- What does your glassmaking mean to you?
- I often express personal thoughts through my work. Through the process of making, I find a way to meditate. I also love the idea that my work is linked to the first creatives, and I develop new techniques to tell stories, just as they did in prehistoric times.
- What was a turning point in your journey?
- I am proud to have been one of 100 artists selected for the New Glass Now exhibition at the Corning Museum of Glass in New York, from May 2019 to January 2020. It was such an honour to be recognised for my work in a global context and to be part of glassmaking history.
- Could your craft be considered in danger?
- Yes, cold working is an endangered craft. Cold working is mostly relegated to the finishing of blown or kiln glass, but there is so much more to it. Cold workers should not be in the background, only doing work for others. We must be recognised as our own branch of creatives within the glassmaking tradition.
- Is there something you especially cherish in your practice?
- I love the global glass community and liken it to a big family with creative aunts, uncles and cousins. I have co-founded a collective of cold workers called Lathe Riders, most of whom are in Europe. We want to inspire the next generation to continue the legacy handed over to us from our elders.
Lothar Böttcher is a master artisan: he began his career in 1995 and he started teaching in 2004
Where
Lothar Böttcher
