LIUDVIKAS STROLIS (Lithuanian, 1905-1996). Bowl with amphibious creatures, Ceramic, circa 1960s. Impressed L. Strolis mark - 3 1/2 in. tall x 7 in. diam. Estimate $400-600
BIOGRAPHY: Liudvikas Strolis is considered by many to be the father of Lithuanian ceramic art. Born September 1, 1905 Strolis began to study painting and drawing around 1927 at the Kaunas Art School in Lithuania. Upon moving to Paris in 1929 Strolis enrolled at the Conservatoire National des Arts et Metiers. It was here where Strolis begun to study ceramics seriously and to learn about the newest trends in the art world. Strolis returned to Lithuania in 1934 to an atmosphere where ceramics was seen as a craft rather than an art. It was in this environment that he began to teach ceramic art and the new techniques he learned abroad. In 1940 he was appointed to the position of director of the Kaunas Art School. During this time he was also contributing to ceramic exhibits both in Lithuania and abroad. Strolis stepped down from the directors position in 1946 but continued to work as a ceramics professor until 1950 when he was fired for not embracing the Communist ideology. Many of his pieces are displayed in museums throughout Lithuania. Liudvikas Strolis died in 1996, having made a lasting impression on the way ceramic art was viewed in Lithuania and around the world.
