Dutch ceramist Wouter Dam creates abstract forms that seem to defy the logic and physics of clay construction. Though abstract in form, his monochromatic creations hint at a range of sources: Neolithic pots, parts of the human body, wooden boats. To create these intricate thin-walled forms, Dam combines throwing and slabbing techniques. Typically, he throws several cylinder, bowl, and vase forms which are later cut into fragments and then spliced together. Describing this element of his work, he has said, “The most important aspect of my work is the contrast between round and flat surfaces when the two meet at sharp angles, thereby interrupting the soft curving surfaces with abrupt lines. Another important aspect is the openness of the piece.” After the initial bisque firing, the sculptures are repeatedly hand rubbed with oxides and stains and then re-fired. As seen in the largest sculpture in the present lot, the edges are sometimes left bare to further accentuate the form.