keramiker

A keramiker is a craftsman who creates objects from clay and other ceramic materials. They shape clay by hand, on a potter’s wheel, or with molds, apply glazes, and fire the pieces in kilns. The term is used in German-speaking countries and is roughly equivalent to ceramist or ceramicist in English; sometimes the title potter is used for those who mainly work on wheel-formed wares.

Techniques and processes include hand-building (pinch, coil, slab), wheel throwing, and slip or mold casting. Surfaces are decorated with slips, engobes, carving, glazes, or underglazes. Firing involves at least a bisque firing to harden the ware, and a glaze firing to mature the glaze. Kilns may be electric, gas, or wood-fired, with temperatures chosen to suit the clay body (stoneware, earthenware, porcelain).

Training and work settings: many keramiker learn via vocational training or apprenticeships, with additional study at art schools or universities for artistic or design-oriented work. They may specialize in production ceramics, studio pottery, porcelain painting, or architectural ceramics, and work in studios, factories, museums, or restoration workshops.

Overview: Ceramics is an ancient craft, and contemporary keramiker combine technical skills with design and artistic expression to produce functional wares, decorative objects, and sculptural works.