Matthias Ostermann, died peacefully at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal on April 19th, 2009 following a battle with HIV-induced lymphoma.
Born in Germany (1951) to Lila Ostermann, they immigrated to Canada in 1953 and lived in Toronto during his formative years. Toronto potter Isolde Rest introduced him to pottery in his late teens, sparking a life-long passion and career in the ceramic arts. For the past 20 years he lived and worked in Montreal.
He had many colourful stories to tell, and told them all, and well, both in person and in pots. At the peak of his career he lectured and exhibited around the world. His pottery is held in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, the Royal Ontario Museum etc, as well as in many homes.
Matthias became known for his maiolica pottery and knowledge of the field. He wrote three well-received books and countless magazine articles about ceramics. His most recent exhibition ‘Boats of Passage’ was held in Toronto last December.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the charity of your choice or La Maison d'Hérelle, (514) 844-4874.
http://www.maisondherelle.org/
www.matthiasostermann.com
Please note that photographs of Matthias Ostermann and his work are available at his web site.
