Urmas Puhkan

Ceramicist

©Juta Kübarsepp

©Urmas Puhkan

Ceramics that talk

Urmas' creative process is in constant flux
He regularly collaborates with fellow ceramicists
He teaches his craft at the Estonian Academy of Arts

From a school friend's studio to establishing his own ceramic studio tower in the heart of Tallinn's Old Town, Urmas Puhkan is a master with over three decades of experience in the field of ceramics. He has a boundless imagination and draws inspiration from bouncing off ideas with like-minded friends and artists. His works are surreal, utopian and don’t hold a distinct style, but vary in their lively nature. A master whose works encompass a process that is in constant flux through life's happenings and team discussions, all that enliven this craft! Now he is passing on his knowledge through workshops and by teaching at the Estonian Academy of Arts.

Interview

©Urmas Puhkan

©Juta Kübarsepp

How do you express innovation in your work?: By bringing in new dimensions and expanding the concept of ceramics. Some of my works are mixed with animation, sounds, playable instruments, surroundings, and so forth. All of my works are looking for boundaries and are very different in nature.
Do you have any other techniques?: I like to move fast and lately I have found a 3D clay pen without a printer to express this. It’s one of my favourite new techniques that I try to implement in my works. The technique is quick, exciting, playful, and requires me to improvise in motion.
What makes your profession enjoyable?: I am very fascinated by the fact, that clay is a material that doesn't need any tools to work with. You don't need a hammer or a saw to create something, but instead you can use your own hands to produce things.
What would be your advice for a beginner?: Step into a dialogue with clay and listen to what it has to say to you. When you can step into a dialogue with the material you can go far! The material will be reluctant if there is no dialogue, therefore one has to leave the conversation.

Urmas Puhkan is a master artisan: he began his career in 1988 and he started teaching in 1993