Instructions for Fountains

The sculpture of artist Wolfgang Vaatz possesses the lyrical grace of a mountain creek - that gentle rush of silver which replenishes and uplifts spirits nourished by nature. Indeed, Vaatz's indoor /outdoor water fountains are symphonic, engaging both visual and auditory senses, as well as the emotions. "I want people to relate to their experiences in nature and recall the soothing sounds of a murmuring creek, its beauty and peacefulness," Vaatz says. "With this dimension in mind, my sculptures are far more than just fountains that recycle water." The stoneware pieces, which incorporate a pump, are visually exquisite. Each fountain is a carefully crafted sculpture, creating the sense that one is standing before a majestic cliff, chiseled carefully by nature, or a layered rock formation, arranged painstakingly by erosion over the eons. A sense of deja vu can occur. "Often shapes are inspired by real places. Rather than naturalistic rendering, I like to convey certain qualities in these works, such as the kind of experiences a particular place offers," Vaatz explains.

The various elements are perfectly balanced to complement the path of the water which glistens as it flows down the richly textured fountain. The varied colors found in each piece add to the balance according to Vaatz. "I create a contrast between the color fields and the three-dimensional shapes. They can be in competition or in dialogue."
Stoneware is used because it is the most suitable medium when working with water. "Stoneware is very hard. It is resistant to the physical and chemical erosion caused by water. It doesn't stain and the colors do not fade," he observes, "Also it has a beautiful stony feel to it."

Wolfgang Vaatz has worked as a professional artist since 1986. Born in 1959 in Windhoek, Namibia, formerly Southwest Africa, he spent his early childhood in the African desert landscape. Having been raised in an arid environment, Wolfgang's love for water is profound. As a child, he played with mud whenever available. Paying close attention to what is happening around him, Vaatz is intrigued by structures and shapes of dry water flows, rocks in a stream, or to the sound of flowing water.

From Namibia, he and his family lived one year in Chicago, then in Heidelberg, Germany, where he received his main education. For several years, beginning in 1986, prolonged trips led him to Namibia to study and create. In particular, he studied the desert landscape, especially the creations of water and erosion. He invented an unconventional, experimental style, using soil, desert sand, and acrylic paint on canvas. Successful exhibitions in Namibia and Germany followed. Eventually, the emphasis on texture in the paintings and the need to explore space further guided Wolfgang to sculpt with clay. As he was always intrigued by the forces of water in the landscape water would soon become a physical part of the sculptures.

He received much of his education in Germany. Originally a painter with a number of successful exhibitions abroad, Vaatz has long been fascinated with the creative forces of water. He turned to sculpture to explore space. "Sculpting is a process that goes beyond merely carving a piece of rock or shaping clay. Sculpting defines space," he says. "It is a form of communication where shades and colors engage with one another, thereby reaching out to the senses, creating an emotional and rational response."

After immigrating to the United States in 1996, Wolfgang started to exhibit water sculptures in the United States. His work has been warmly received by businesses and private collections throughout the nation. Having moved to the Southwest, Wolfgang is again reconnected to his source of inspiration: the desert landscape and mountain springs.

Instructions for Fountains