Metin Ertürk

Ceramicist

Opening the kiln to a pleasant surprise

Metin studied and trained extensively in ceramics in Türkiye, the UK and Japan
He is a master of the terra sigillata coating and technique
The sensory experience of clay is why he has specialised in wheel-throwing

Metin Ertürk’s comprehensive background in ceramics includes a high school and associate degree in ceramics, a further degree in ceramics from Uşak University’s Faculty of Fine Arts and a master’s degree at Hacettepe University with a focus on terra sigillata. His expertise expanded further in 2013 with a studio pottery traineeship at the Michel François Porcelain workshop in England, and working alongside the ceramic master Tomohisa Obana in Japan. Metin is an award-winning artisan, and he unveiled his first solo exhibition in 2016 in Japan followed by another solo exhibition in Türkiye in 2023. His works blend traditional craftsmanship with an exploration of human emotions and psychology, somehow managing to be functional whilst also exuding artistic elegance. Wheel-throwing, red earthenware clays and terra sigillata finishes are where his interest lies primarily. "Sometimes the forms I have thrown are akin to a canvas, and I apply alternative firings on the surface or use various slip techniques. Although I sometimes use glaze, it’s important for me to always feel the surface and texture of the clay," he explains.

Interview

Why did you choose this craft?: I have attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity disorder, so it was difficult for me to study and I ended up choosing a vocational high school. I can say that I did not choose ceramics, but that in a sense, it chose me. Making ceramics helped me greatly with my attention issues. It is a process. Every day that you work with clay, you end up knowing more about ceramics, but also about yourself.
In what way is your craft linked to your country?: I use local red clay, which I fire mid-temperature to produce quality forms. I also use a terra sigillata slip from ancient Greece, which is an important technique of the Mediterranean region. However, I do feel that even though tradition is a rich and valuable heritage from the past, it also needs to evolve. I am trying to change the perspective around local red clay from Turkey with my work.
Do you master any specific techniques?: I would say that terra sigillata is my master technique and that I have very good skills on the wheel. I tried many different techniques, but when I first encountered the wheel, the feeling that I was using all my senses was very strong. For me the wheel is an integral part of the world. When it turns, every form that I create is a sculpture that reflects my thoughts, the events and individuals in my life.
What do you love most about your profession?: The excitement I feel when my works come out of the kiln. The English phrase 'pleasantly surprised' describes the feeling I have every time I unload the kiln. The end result for me is always a pleasant surprise. I think it really defines ceramic work.

Metin Ertürk is a master artisan: he began his career in 2003 and he started teaching in 2018