Carsten Barchmann
FAMOUS GERMAN POTTERY ARTIST

Potter Carsten Barchmann was born in 1982 in the small East German village of Puschwitz (population 80). Puschwitz is found 15 miles from the Czech Republic, and 20 miles from Poland.

Carsten is the grandson and son of a potter. His family have been potters since 1729 in the same tiny village. Influenced by his grandfather and father, Carsten had a burning desire to become a world class artist.

Because of Soviet and East German rule and lack of outside artistic influence, Carsten only knew the old fashioned design, shape, and colors of ceramics. Determined to educate himself in modern designs, Carsten saved money and received a small loan from his father and came to America for the first time.

Speaking no English, Carsten arrived in Nashville, Tennessee and located Susan DeMay, head pottery instructor at Vanderbilt University. Susan began instructing Carsten and introduced him to other potters in the southern part of the USA, and the American way of life.

During his first trip to America, Carsten located a 25 year old motorcycle and began a tour of the Southern United States. Carsten rode his old motorcycle 4,000 miles from one pottery to the next, camping along the road, traveling from one artist's studio to the next, experiencing the unique art and culture of each stop.

Along the way, Carsten met Gustave "Fritz" Wolff, Master Potter, who works in Central Kentucky. Thanks in part to their shared German heritage, and similar artistic mindsets, Carsten and Fritz immediately began a friendship that would lead Carsten back to the United States at the next opportunity.

In 2006, after gaining fame in his own right, Carsten returned to the U.S. to advance his skills under Fritz Wolff. Since then, Carsten has worked directly with Mr. Wolff at his personal studio in Nicholasville, Kentucky. During this time, Carsten developed into a world class potter, producing many fine, quality designs.

Samples of Carsten Barchmann's work can be found on this site. Also, look for Carsten's works at regional fine art shows near you soon.

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