HEINER ZIMMERMANN METALLGESTALTUNG

HEINER ZIMMERMANN METALLGESTALTUNG

+TEAMENTWICKLUNG 11.02.2018

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2017 – Martin Luther 500 years since the Reformation.

It happened in the year 1537: Martin Luther had to leave a monastery in Schmalkalden (Germany) because he was tortured by the pains caused by a kidney disease, and he thought he was close to death. In Tambach he took up quarters in the Geleitshof (guest inn) – the place is marked by the “Lutherstein” (Luther stone), today. An administered footbath or, more likely, the jolting ride along the Rennsteig caused the Reformer alleviation from his suffering at night. Legend has it, however, that the consumption of pure water from the

„Lutherbrunnen“ in Tammichgrund was the reason for Martin Luther’s healing. The fountain obtained its name only on 31st October 1717 in celebration of the Reformation anniversary, but until today the locals place great confidence in the healing effect and the good taste of the water.

Source: http://luther-region.com/lutherbrunnen/articles/lutherbrunnen-luther-well.html

This was reason enough for a delegation from Tambach to contact me as an artistic consultant and contributor to a sculpture path along the pilgrim path of Martin Luther.

Early in 2015 first meetings had taken place to understand the important places on the pilgrim path and understanding of the theme for the artists.

Soon after the first invitations had been send out to potential artists in the field of Blacksmithing. Part of the idea of the pilgrim path was to motivate the artists to create their art work in a close by blacksmith museum “Tobiashammer”.

Tobiashammer, built 1482 is a monument to heavy machine construction and is located in the 18,000 m² sculpture park in Ohrdruf. Three over-shot water wheels and one large middle-shot water wheel drive five oversized drop hammers, a rolling mill and stamping and grinding mills that offered a space for the artists to use the historic machinery to execute their ideas.

The limited space in the museum made the decision to run this symposium during two years so that 5 artists can create their ideas once a year.

This venue attracted a lot of attention in public from radio, television and politicians. Showing how the art work has been made was very educational and many school classes came to witness the artists in their making. In addition having the artist also for conversation helped to raise the appreciation of the individual art pieces in the region. Beside the international artists from Sweden, England and the USA also local artist were invited to participate.

In August 2017 the pilgrim sculpture path had been opened up in a ceremony. Since then the

path has found much appreciation amongst hikers and pilgrims that came from all over

Europe.