Ceramic art by Juozas Adomonis

Juozas Adomonis (b. 1932) - painter, ceramicist, professor at Vilnius Academy of Arts, head of the Department of Ceramics, member of the Lithuanian Artists' Union, participant and organizer of international ceramics symposia abroad and in Lithuania. Since 1957 participates in exhibitions in Lithuania and abroad, created works for architecture, compiled several albums and catalogs, wrote textbooks and articles on applied art. 1947 graduated from Skiemonys progymnasium, 1947–1951. attended Anykščiai Secondary School. 1951-1957 Studied at the LSSR Institute of Art, received his education in artistic ceramics. 1957-1961 Artist of the Lithuanian Light Industry Board. 1961-1962 Vilnius model house painter. Since 1962 He teaches ceramics at the Vilnius Academy of Arts; 1974-1986 Vice-Rector, 1984–2001. Head of the Department of Ceramics, since 1983 professor. Since 1957 Member of Lithuanian Artists' Union.

Ratings:
• 1977 LSSR meritorious art actor.
• 2002 Officer's Cross of the Order of Gediminas
• 2004 Art Prize of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

“Every creative ceramicist can combine tradition and innovation while avoiding routine. This is successfully done by Japanese, English, Scandinavian and other ceramicists. Historical and folk pottery deserves respect, as these values are not outdated. Here art and craft are inseparable: an obvious connection between hands and thought. There is no doubt that perfect mastery of the craft and professional knowledge develop the artist's imagination. The potential of a ceramic artist as a painter is endless, only the appropriate knowledge is needed to master a complex and interesting ceramic technology, while embodying his ideas. Ceramics is exciting art because you are never quite sure what you will pull out of the furnace. ”
Juozas Adomonis Art of Ceramics

In the history of Lithuanian art, J. Adomonis is considered to be the initiator of a new tendency, which orientated Lithuanian ceramic art from utilitarian to decorative. He is one of the first Lithuanian ceramicists. In the 1960s, the functionality of their works was no longer concerned.

J. Adomonis' ceramics took over the principles of sculpture, painting, and graphics, and the works became associative, imbued with motifs of wildlife. The most famous ceramic works of J. Adomonis in public spaces: 1967. - "Apuokai" in the sanatorium "Dainava" park in Druskininkai; 1974 - lighting and interior décor in hotel and cafe Neringa in Vilnius; 1976 - decorative pan "Mint" and dishes Vilnius bistro "Mint"; 1980 - vases at Vezaičiai branch of Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture (Klaipėda district); 1980-1984. - decorative vases (30 pcs) at the former Museum of the Revolution in Vilnius; 1982 - set of decorative vases in Klaipėda civil ceremony palace, pano in Antakalnis outpatient clinic in Vilnius; 1983 - Fireplace decor of Palanga rest house "Baltija", group of vases in the premises of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR in Moscow (Russia); 1984 - set of decorative vases in Pirčiupiai (Varėna district) museum; 1987 - Pano Polis at Utena electric furnace factory; 1988 - "Kolona" in Vilnius Gediminas Technical University Arka cafe; 1992-1993 - compositions of firecracker vases at the Government House of the Republic of Lithuania in Vilnius; 2004 - composite panel at Vilnius Antanas Vienuolis Gymnasium.

The artist also created sets of decorative pottery for exteriors and interiors, vases, plates, sets, fireplaces and lamps. His work is characterized by a frosted glaze.

The text is based on J. Adomonis' Handbook of Artistic Ceramics, "Ceramic Art" (1998) and information published on the Internet.