Kohler Co., John Michael Kohler Arts Center Inspire Artist-in-Residence
Meet artist Heimo Wallner, who is currently working in the Kohler pottery.
Kohler Believing In Better Blog: Artist Spotlight: Heimo Wallner
Artist Spotlight: Heimo Wallner
The Arts/Industry residency program, founded in 1974 by Kohler Co. and the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, invites artists from around the world into the Kohler pottery, iron and brass foundries, and enamel shop to use industry tools and materials to inspire and create artwork not possible in their own studios.
We caught up with Heimo Wallner of Middlebury, Vermont, who is completing his residency in the Wisconsin Pottery.
Q: Describe your style of artwork in one sentence.
A: Endless drawings of internal processes.
Q: How did you hear about the program?
A: I was a resident artist in the foundry 19 years ago.
Q: What collection(s) are you working on as part of the Arts/Industry Program?
A: I will be making two rooms covered in tiles with my drawings. Each room will be 7’ x 7’ x 7’.
Q: How are you using Kohler’s offerings to your advantage?
A: I am using Kohler Co.’s firing batt molds to make the tiles for my rooms. Kohler associates have been extremely helpful with every aspect of my process. I do not have a background in ceramics, and I have already learned a lot in a short amount of time.
Q: What is one thing you want Kohler associates to know about your experience here?
A: How grateful I am for the constant support and meaningful discussions I have with Kohler associates on a daily basis.
Q: What is one fun fact about yourself people may be surprised to learn?
A: I come from a family of hairdressers in the boons of Austria.
Q: When your residency ends, where to next?
A: I will be going back home to Vermont, and then to Austria, which is my second home.
