Hans Kuretzky

Ceramicist

The power of connecting with clay

Hans works on architectural ceramics and restoration projects
He has been working with the Hamburg Port Authority on the St. Pauli Elbe tunnel since 2000
His pieces are inspired by nature and Hugo Kükelhaus' philosophy

Hans Kuretzky is a ceramicist who specialises in architectural ceramics, restoration, fine art and wheel-thrown pottery. As a graduate engineer, he studied ceramic design in Krefeld and co-founded the School of Applied Arts WKS in Lübeck. He later founded his own ceramic studio with his calligrapher wife, where they have been working together since the mid-1990s. "This union between a ceramicist and a calligrapher has led to poetic and imaginative works. The fusion of coloured glazes and the art of calligraphy gives both of us creative inspiration," Hans says. He works closely with the Hamburger Hochbahn on the restoration of underground stations and beautiful old ceramic tiles. He also reconstructed and designed the ceramics in many of Hamburg's underground stations. "The thing I love most about what I do is the process of recreating and restoring architectural ceramics," he says.

Interview

What do you like most about creating?: I love challenges more than anything. This is how I am able to create new and innovative pieces. Besides that, I really enjoy working with clients. I have always wanted to combine beautiful and individual architectural ceramics in my atelier in collaboration with big construction projects.
What does working with ceramics mean to you?: Ceramics mean fulfilment. I try to teach my students that working with earthy materials means creating a dialogue between us as people and artists, and the material itself. It is important to realise that clay cannot be forced, it is a material that has a life of its own. To work with clay and glazes, a person has to be very empathetic.
What is the greatest project you worked on?: I am really into working on large-scale projects, and I worked on one in collaboration with the Hamburg Port Authority. I am really proud to have been working with them since 2000 on the St. Pauli Elbe tunnel, under the Elbe River. I am still working there and I truly enjoy it.
What inspires you to create?: Nature is a wonderful inspiration for me. I have also long been inspired by the approach of Hugo Kükelhaus, who talked about experiencing the world as a human being with senses and awareness. I am also inspired by spiral patterns. Whenever I start to throw, a spiral shape is the first thing to appear. Spirals are at the origin of life.

Hans Kuretzky is a master artisan: he began his career in 1981 and he started teaching in 1988