“I hope to inspire a change in perception that beautiful modern art does not have to come from abroad, but that in our own country and own abundant resources and talents remarkable things can be created.”
Hanka Wolterstorff has been creating and exhibiting ceramic art for 25 years now. Her interest in ceramics started as a young girl in the Netherlands, when she spent many hours watching a local potter create beautiful pottery in his workshop. Years later in Suriname, around 1980, she started taking lessons from a famous Surinamese ceramic artist, Ted Heymans. She continued her training at the studio and art school of Surinamese artist Soeki Irodikromo.
Her intricately molded abstract sculptures are usually made from several thin, delicate slabs of clay. While creating a sculpture Hanka has no predefined design in mind but just an idea for the sub shapes. The final composition and meaning gradually take shape as the individually handcrafted pieces are put together. Working with local clay and other local materials, such as wood, is a great priority for the artist.
In 2018, work from Hanka was included in the exhibition 6 x 6 Ceramic Tile, an exhibition in the IDB Staff Association Art Gallery in Washington DC, a curated exhibition with works from ceramic artists from IDB member countries.