Vancouver, BC, written November 4th, 2024 – The Eastside Culture Crawl is a vibrant annual event that celebrates the creativity and artistic diversity of the Eastside community in Vancouver. This year, the Crawl welcomes back renowned sculptor Harro Lauprecht of Earth to Art Design, who is participating for the second time. Lauprecht’s innovative approach to sculpture, which often incorporates natural elements and sustainability, invites visitors to engage with art in a thoughtful and immersive way. As part of this dynamic event, he will showcase his unique creations, highlighting the intricate relationship between nature and artistic expression. Join us in experiencing the rich tapestry of talent and inspiration that defines the Eastside Culture Crawl!
Harro Lauprecht Interview
October 22, 2024 Interviewer: Elke Porter
1. Tell our readers a little bit about your German background. Do you speak, read, or write the language?
Harro: I was actually born and raised in Mexico City. My dad was German, so I grew up bilingual and attended the Alexander von Humboldt Deutsche Schule in Mexico, where I learned German at school and at home. After high school, I moved to Germany for almost two years, then came to Canada, where I’ve lived since. Although the German community in Mexico City isn’t huge, we all know each other through school.
2. How long have you been involved in the world of art, and when did you start focusing on 3D printing in your ceramics work?
Harro: I’ve always loved art. I started painting as a teenager, then moved to pottery in my twenties. Initially, I focused on traditional pottery—throwing clay on the wheel and sculpting by hand. I only recently began incorporating 3D printing into my work, about two years ago, as a fascinating mix of technology and clay-making.
3. Are you working as a full-time artist, or do you pursue other professions alongside your art?
Harro: I’m actually a full-time disability management advisor with ICBC. My career has always been in disability management, but art remains a passion and creative outlet for me.
4. Where do you draw inspiration for your designs, and how do you balance traditional craftsmanship with the innovative possibilities of 3D printing?
Harro: My inspiration often comes from nature and architecture. I’ve always been intrigued by architecture, especially modern styles in Europe like those in London and Frankfurt. So, when I discovered 3D printing with clay, it felt like the perfect blend of technology and traditional art. I love designing on the computer and then watching my ideas come to life through printing and glazing. Each piece is unique and can hold unexpected imperfections, which gives them character.
5. Could you tell us about your creative process? How do you go from concept to a finished piece using this blend of technology and artistry? Was there a learning curve?
Harro: Definitely—a steep learning curve! Printing with clay is very different from printing with plastic, which is more rigid and easier to shape. Clay stays soft after printing, so sometimes pieces collapse right as they’re finished. But I appreciate these imperfections; even though the process is 3D-printed, no two pieces are ever identical. The clay’s consistency, water content, and other variables make each creation unique.
6. How often have you participated in events like the Culture Crawl, and what do you enjoy most about showcasing your work in these settings?
Harro: This will be my second year. Last year, I didn’t know what to expect, but it was amazing to have so many people visit our studio. I gained inspiration from their feedback—people had ideas, suggestions, and reactions that were invaluable. Some loved certain pieces, while others didn’t connect as much, which was enlightening. I really enjoy interacting with visitors and seeing their reactions firsthand.
7. Who would you say is your ideal customer? What kind of people or spaces do you envision your pieces being a part of?
Harro: My work appeals to those who appreciate a blend of modern and traditional aesthetics. I picture my pieces in minimalistic spaces where they can be a focal point, sparking curiosity and conversation. When people see the designs, they’re often intrigued, asking, “Is this really clay? How was it made?” The unique shapes and woven textures create a lot of interest.
8. What are some upcoming projects or creations you’re excited about? Do you have any new designs or innovations in the works?
Harro: Yes, I’m experimenting with colored clay and finer, more precise lines. I’m also working on an exciting project with the Peter Wall Center at UBC—they’ve asked me to design their awards, which will incorporate earthy elements to reflect environmental themes. It’s a unique challenge, and I’m honored to be part of it.
9. Have you always lived in Vancouver, or have other places influenced your art? Where have you lived, and where would you like to live in the future?
Harro: I grew up in Mexico, spent some time in Germany, and have mostly lived in Vancouver. I did go back to Mexico for a few years but returned to Vancouver. In the future, I’d love to spend time in Berlin. The mix of old and new architecture there is fascinating, and I think it would be inspiring.
10. Outside of ceramics, what other activities or passions do you enjoy? How do they influence your creative process?
Harro: I love motorcycling, especially adventure motorcycling in nature. There’s something about being out in the middle of nowhere that’s refreshing and recharging. It clears my mind and often brings new ideas for my work.
11. Where is your studio located, and will it be open during the Eastside Culture Crawl?
Harro: My studio is on Powell Street, part of Octopus Studios, where about ten of us share space. We’ll definitely be open during the Eastside Culture Crawl from November 14–17, so I’d love for people to come by and see the work!
Biography of Harro Lauprecht
Born in Mexico City and having lived in Germany and Vancouver for the past 35 years, Harro’s artistic journey merges his diverse life experiences with a passion for the fusion of digital and analog realms. Although he graduated with a bachelor’s in science, his pursuit of art studies has shaped his unique approach to design, tools, and craftsmanship. By innovating with digital fabrication techniques, Harro pushes the boundaries of 3D printing, working with materials like clay and porcelain to create pieces that defy industrial precision. His work reflects a meticulous attention to human imperfections, inviting viewers to experience the delicate interplay between technology, artistry, and imagination. Through his creations, Harro seamlessly unites the calculated with the organic, encouraging contemplation of limitless possibilities at the intersection of human creativity and machine precision.
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