Hanna Winkler

Ceramicist

©Andreas Fromm

A deep respect for the everyday

Hanna makes ceramic objects that elevate the ordinary
She is fascinated by the historic legacy of the ceramic tradition
For her, the craft can only be practised with great inner concentration

Hanna Winkler appreciates the archaic nature of ceramics, the possibility of pursuing a millennia-old tradition, and the concentration required when working. After studying decorative painting in Brussels, specialising in wood and marble imitation, and later studying graphic design and working in exhibition design, Hanna realised how much she missed the handmade. She decided to work with clay and came to ceramics, encouraged by a couple of artist friends. They introduced her to the subtleties of the craft and showed her the link between ceramics, one of the oldest crafts, and ethnology. "I like it when you cannot tell in what era an item was made by looking at it," she says. Now immersed in the craft, Hanna calls clay her friend and creates vessels that can add a restrained beauty and timelessness to everyday life.

Interview

©Andreas Fromm

©Andreas Fromm

What fascinates you about this craft?: Ceramics is one of the oldest crafts, and I love that the material and the way you work with it are basically the same as they were a few thousand years ago. It is just amazing that it is still with us, that we can lean on it. That permanence is fascinating to me.
What is your relationship with tradition and innovation?: Because I know so much about the traditional side of the craft, I am closer to tradition. My main interest is in timeless objects. If you look at very old vessels and their shapes, you can see that they are really timeless. They are so old that they look modern again. Some forms date back 5000 or 2000 years but could have been created today.
What inspires you?: I grew up in a house where the table was always set, where respect and the beauty of everyday life were highly valued. There was no hurry. Eating out of nice dishes and having beautiful flower vases was important. I feel you have to respect the everyday, because if your surroundings are beautiful, then things are easier.
What qualities do you need in order to practise this craft?: You need concentration and focus. At the wheel, if the mind is distracted, then the piece fails. If you can focus, you get so much back because clay is your friend. It is grateful to you. I like that very much. The philosophy of life of ceramics is that if you give yourself entirely to the work, then everything works out.

Hanna Winkler is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2015