PRIMITIVE ARTS
How it began
I was intrigued at the discovery of Ötzi, the 5,300 year-old ice-mummy, found in 1991 in the Schnalstal glacier in the Ötztal Alps. While working in Austria, I was lucky enough to meet Helmut and Erika Simon, the people who found him.
Years later, I met Ernst Bierling who reconstructed Ötzi's clothing and equipment. We became good friends and he ended up teaching me all I know about primitive arts, bowbuilding and fire-making. Later on I was the photo model for his Ötzi exhibitions. (Slide show)
I moved to Canada in 2007 to put into practical use all I'd learned about primitive wilderness living. I currently offer bow-building, arrow-making and primitive archery accessories (e.g. quivers, finger-taps and arm guards).
I also offer courses in fire-striker forging (including various ways of fire-starting) and leather-tooling. |
Love for the essentials of life: simple living, music, art and primitive skills.
Michael Mayr
I grew up in an artisan family,
started to play the trumpet when I was about six or seven years old and, from then on, music and art were an essential part of my life.
My grandfather, my uncle and my mother studied music. All three of them were/are multi-instrumental artists.
My great grandfather and grandmother's brother were both carvers.
I live and carry forward my heritage. |
SCULPTURE
How it began
I was always fascinated by wood and working with it. I started early, carving sticks and mobiles out of rootwood, following the given form of mother nature. Soon, I wanted to do more than that: three-dimensional work fascinated me.
After many years I decided to take the entrance exam for the Schnitzschule Oberammergau and was accepted.
The training included script, written and carved (calligraphy); nude drawing; modelling with clay (nude, nature study, portraiture, drapery, relief); painting; etching; pigment; gold and silver application on wood; lathe work; cabinet building; stone work; epoxy/fiberglass work; welding; printing; carving; and casts in various media. In addition I worked with glassblowers, learning their skills.
I was especially inspired by:
Leonardo da Vinci for his overwhelming variety of interests and arts he worked with.
Niki de Saint Phalle for her ability to bring out and express the colourfulness and fullfiment of the cycles of life and death, sadness and happiness.
Jean Tinguely for his amazing machines and for his personal experience.
Last but not least, my teacher
Josef Pleier for his variety of creations based on the essence of material, shape, purpose and tone. And, of course, for his remarkable teaching and understanding. |
