Kurt Krogh Knudsen
KK-Keramik
Viborg, Denmark
Website
@keramik_kurt
Artist Statement
The purpose of my ceramic art is to present items of beauty and at the same time, give a sense of both simplicity and complexity. Most of my work are vessels. A vessel is both a sculpture and a functional item in one. Often, there is a reference to the organic structure of pollen and microorganisms as seen in the scanning electron microscope. The geometric forms and wheel-thrown curves are combined with the phenomenon of moving glaze that is captured during the firing, which adds a sense of chance and create sensual surfaces with a dynamic duality between form and surface To me, working with ceramics is a fantastic and ideal combination of several things I love: Visual art, craft, physics, chemistry, engineering and computer science. Often, my works are designed or visualized in 3D computer programs. Likewise, all my glazes are mixed from minerals and oxides in my studio with help from glaze chemistry software. I manipulate sheets of clay, wheel-thrown and cast elements, to geometric vessels. It’s a fascinating challenge trying to balance the forces of gravity, the softness and plasticity of the clay, the chemistry of the glazes and the physics of pyrotechnics – the transformation from mud to works of art in the kiln, solidifying into luminous formations. I have been a doctor for more than 30 years, the last 25 as a doctor in a busy intensive care unit and as a prehospital emergency fast response physician. Making ceramics, makes me relax and think of nothing else, yet at the same time use my knowledge of physics and chemistry – it takes time and goes slow…
What type of clay do you use?
What type of clay do you use?
Stoneware clay
What temperature do you fire to?
Cone 6
What is your primary forming method?
Combination of slab technique, wheel-throwing and cast elements
What is your favorite surface treatment?
Glazing with my own glazes
Do you make any of your own tools?
I make molds for the cast elements, ribs, and wooden forming tools
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Evolving
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
It's mine!
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
Good light
What are your top three studio wishes?
A better view Auto cleaning space, space, space . . . .
What’s on your current reading list?
John Britt: The complete Guide to Midrange Glazes
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
I recycle clay and fire when the electricity is cheap
How do you recharge creatively?
Visit museums
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
Attending large art fairs
What did your first piece look like?
A copy of John Cleal's stone sculpture: Sun Lover
What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
Cleaning the studio with a snap of my fingers—I hate spending time cleaning.
What area of skill do you most look to other artists to learn?
Glaze chemistry
What is on your studio playlist?
What is on your studio playlist?
Hits from my youth (80s–90s Spotify playlists)
Why do you create art?
Makes me relax from a (at times) stressful job (doctor at an intensive care unit)
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
Dust free clay would be nice!
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