art & objects

Why should art only be on display in museums or galleries? As an artist, it is just as challenging for me to embrace the artistic aspect in everyday objects – to put my own individual stamp on them, some distinctive mark that sets them apart from other objects and lends them their own identity. It is like an interplay of shapes and colors – not something merely to look and marvel at but, in this case, also to touch.

On request, individual compositions for various everyday objects are possible at Thomas Heller Art; the only prerequisites are openness and a desire to explore completely new avenues, at the same time giving the artist as free a rein as possible.

The "Shoe Bull"

As an image of endurance, resistance and resilience, the bull symbolizes the long-established shoemaker's art in Pirmasens in the form of the "Shoe Bull".

The eye and the hand both have a special significance here. These elements are also found on the Peter Kaiser art bull, which was created as part of Pirmasens' marketing project "Art in the City". Also known as the mirror of the soul, the eye stands for aesthetics and guarantees premium quality – not even the smallest detail can escape the scrutiny of the critical eye.

The hand symbolizes the long tradition and painstaking care of the shoemaker's craft in Germany's oldest shoe factory since 1838; obviously, over the years, this has been modernized and upgraded with specific tools. The stylized shoes are painted in waves on both sides of the bull; the undulation represents the ongoing production and, at the same time, is also a symbol of Yin and Yang. The colors red, black and white have been customized in line with the corporate identity of the Peter Kaiser enterprise.

Wine labels

Over time, the shape and concept of wine labels have undergone radical changes. More and more vineyards are opting for labels on their bottles that do not merely advertise the contents of the bottle. Instead, while the contents delight the palate, they want the labels to be pleasing to the eye. An elegant way of standing out from the crowd …

These examples for an Italian vineyard illustrate just how diverse label designs can be, while adding a sparkle to everyday life. An incentive for new ideas in the world of indulgence…

Montblanc

To mark an exhibition showcasing the fashion designer MAD (Maddalena Sisto) in the Triennale Design Museum in Milan in 2004/05, Montblanc organized a competition, inviting visitors to draw inspiration from the works on display and submit their own drawings.

The award-winning drawings included the sketch by Thomas Heller shown here.