Winfried Wurlitzer

Head and hands

• Winfried follows in his family's footsteps
• He took over his parents' workshop in 1992
• He combines traditions with trends

Contrary to the family tradition, Winfried Wurlitzer initially wanted to be a musician and not a silversmith. However, the political restrictions in the GDR did not allow for his wish to come true. After a little detour training as a joiner for some time, he found his way back into the family business of working with precious metals and gemstones. After completing an apprenticeship and reaching the level of master artisan, in 1992 he took over the goldsmith's studio his parents founded in 1955. Over the years Winfried has perpetuated the excellent reputation of the family’s workshops and has made a name for himself as an excellent jewellery designer and a superb repairman for the tricky issues. His work combines the traditional art of the goldsmith's craft with the trends of our time.

Interview

©Annette Wurlitzer

©Annette Wurlitzer

What does excellence mean to you?

Technical excellence to me is the foundation for every artisanal work. Besides, excellence in design can be found if something is surprising and self-evident, almost natural at the same time.

How would you define your craft?

It is an art of transformation. Starting with raw materials, it is a process of giving shape. A spontaneous moment of inspiration during a walk in the woods can therefore be manifested and preserved in silver and gold through the work of my hands.

Where do you find your inspiration?

From nature, working in the garden and strolling around, but it also appears in the process of work itself. The process of giving shape is always a process of negotiation between the idea in my head and the capabilities of my hands.

What is your advice for an aspiring jewellery maker?

Go to a workshop, try it. But go to a workshop where jewellery is produced, where you can solitarily immerse yourself in the analogue work with the material. You will quickly know if it is for you or not.

Winfried Wurlitzer is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1984

Works

©Josefa Wurlitzer

©Josefa Wurlitzer

©Winfried Wurlitzer

©Winfried Wurlitzer

©Winfried Wurlitzer

Where