Katrich Studio Pottery

Paul J Katrich grew up in Detroit in the late 1900s. From an early age, Paul was interested in antiques - he would find old trinkets and build his own collection.

When he was 13, Paul was exposed to the Art Nouveau movement through the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany, a popular designer known for his stained glass works in the era. Katrich attended Wayne State University and received a degree in art history - which introduced him to the tens of thousands of years of ceramic history.

After college, Katrich worked as a professional restoration artisan, which involved (among other mediums) his formal acquaintance with historical ceramic techniques and craftsmanship. Patrick describes this experience, more than any other, as the spark that pushed him from art pottery expert to creator.

Katrich is a genius with glazes and developed a plethora of modern glazes that accurately reflect the look of pottery from the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 1900s. Katrich throws his pottery individually, and there is no commercial production in his process. Paul creates lusterware - pottery that is distinct from the more matte-looking Grueby works of their time. He employs bright colors, abstract designs, and sticks largely to vases as his major form. Paul is often compared to George Ohr, a famous abstract artist and potter from the early 1900s. However, Katrich rejects this claim, espousing Ohr as “supernatural”, and describes his work as simply a “link” to Ohr and the early art pottery movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Katrich Studio Pottery is one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary ceramics, with vessels showcasing luminous luster glazes and impeccable form. Collectors often view these works alongside other contemporary studio pottery, recognizing them as modern heirlooms in the American art pottery tradition.

Every Katrich vessel is entirely handmade and never duplicated. Inferior or flawed pieces are destroyed, not sold, ensuring every work available via Just Art Pottery meets the artist’s exacting standard.

Every listing includes a raised Katrich wafer, shape number, and often the artist’s signature. Just Art Pottery guarantees authenticity and condition with their satisfaction promise.

Katrich is one of the few contemporary masters of luster glazing. His volcanic and iridescent finishes emerge from a quarter-century of experimentation, resulting in rich, tactile surfaces unmatched in the world of studio pottery.

Luster finishes are among the most technically challenging in ceramics. The shimmering, metallic surfaces resonate with historic American luster work (e.g., Rookwood Pottery) and broader European luster traditions, yet the palettes, textures, and forms are distinctly Katrich.

Katrich’s offerings span framed tiles (floral, scenic, architectural) and sculptural vases. Each format showcases his textures and glazes, from dramatic volcanic finishes to vibrant hand-painted squares.