Nuri Negre Herzing

Ceramicist

The peace that comes with ceramics

Nuri sees ceramics as a form of craft therapy
She places great emphasis on the design of her pieces and on the surface finishes
Her works are an ongoing exploration of sculptural possibilities and details

Nuri Negre Herzing's curiosity and interest in all art-related matters led her to attend a professional workshop to learn the fundamentals of ceramics in 1992. "I first spent two years training in painting and drawing before moving on to a ceramics workshop, where I stayed for several years and received a scholarship," she says. Later, Nuri took a vocational course at the Escola de Ceràmica de La Bisbal, where she deepened her knowledge of various aspects of ceramics and its production. "This training was more focused on traditional techniques and was designed for those looking to work in the municipality’s artisan industry. It was very useful for establishing the foundations of the craft," she explains. Nuri's training in art therapy is also a significant aspect of her work. "Over the years, I have taken specialised courses to complement specific techniques," she says.

Interview

What did you learn from your mentor?: Miquel Bosch taught me the technical fundamentals of ceramics. He was a very rigorous craftsperson whose journey as an apprentice began when he was 14. He was highly cultured and always encouraged deep reflection on craftsmanship itself.
Why did you choose to work with ceramics?: I initially studied painting, but I was drawn to ceramics as it offers me vast creative possibilities and the opportunity for continuous refinement. I also trained in art therapy, which allowed me to work with ceramics as a therapeutic medium.
What do you enjoy most about your craft?: I love designing the pieces and refining their finishes. I am equally interested in the creation of the object itself, which I see as a canvas, and in the surface finish, which in many cases is pictorial. Ultimately, it all comes together as a cohesive whole.
Is there something that people do not know about your work?: I express my passion for form and gesture in each of my pieces. I place great importance on the harmony of a piece because that is how it will exude beauty – when the forms are balanced and not 'broken'.

Nuri Negre Herzing is a master artisan: she began her career in 1992 and she started teaching in 2011