About Me

Hello! My name is Kadri and I’m the potter behind Kadri Kunnus Pottery

Allow me to share a little bit about myself and my creative journey…

I live in the wild countryside of Estonia, Europe, in a 200 year old former watermill together with hubby, 4 little ones (age 3-10), a “heritage cat” called Mautzi (came with the house) and a flock of 8 hens and 2 roosters (at the moment).

Here, there are no street lights or city noises, traffic or people watching in your windows. Only the everflowing river and sounds of trees and birds.

We moved here almost 4 years ago, after 10 years of town life and working as a Public Relations Specialist at the University of Tartu. The kids got too many for city lifestyle and trips to the countryside on weekends and watching the “Country morning” show didn’t quite cover the need for nature, nurture, quiet, privacy.

One of the first things I noticed at the property was this old earth stone side building, with high ceilings and window towards the West and the setting Sun – I thought, this cries out to be a creative nest, a place of tranquil and creativity, away from the bustling noises and lights of city life, a sanctuary of peace and finding one’s inner calm. Maybe a place to hold artist residencies, yoga retreats (such a cliche, I know!), summer drawing camps, handicraft workshops…

It was months later when I drove to my friends birthday and noticed the sign to Olustvere School of Rural Economics on the way. I’d been there, as a tourist, years ago, and remembered they had this amazing glass blowing and ceramics studio at the old distillery of the manor complex. I thought maybe I could take an evening class in clay there. I’d done clay as an after school hobby in middle school and went to an evening class between baby No 2 and 3 in Tartu.

Turned out they offer a full 2 year vocational programme, by the end of which you’d be a certified potter. My youngest was only one, but since they only accepted 14 students every other year and this was the year, I had to try. I got in and never looked back! It was such a fun and educational two years with the most inspiring tutors and fellow students. I learned so much about clay and still wanted more.

So I sold my soul to pottery and discovered my liver is pretty surely made of clay. I could’nt keep my hands out of it anymore. Pretty soon I bought a used wheel and there was no turning back. There’s something addictive in wheelthrowing. It calms my rushing mind.

Now I’ve graduated the ceramics course and am working half time at the Olustvere glass and ceramics studio as a potter. Actually getting paid for what I love to do most!

And slowly, but steadily growing my own business on the side.

My dream is to build a small studio inside that earth stone side building next to my home and create functional ware made with love and care to my tribe I’ll hopefully find one day (I’ve found some you and am so thankful!).

I truly believe a cup of morning coffee tastes better from a (well) handmade mug, it is an opportunity to spend a moment with the maker, stop for a few minutes and think about the time and care the potter put into that pot, making you value the love and attention you put into things you make yourself, may it be something tangible or not. We are all creators of our worlds, we make our lives the way we wish to live them. And handmade, artisanal, small batch pottery helps to bring us into this moment of understanding and appreciation.

So take a look around my website (created with the kind help of my dear friend @anarynoorem), social media pages and e-shop and let’s make the world a more beautiful place!

PS! I want to express my gratitude for the incredible support I’ve already received on my journey so far. Your encouragement, kind words, and appreciation mean the world to me, dear friends, family and fans. I’m truly humbled to be able to share my creations with you and bring a piece of my heart into your lives.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my work. I look forward to connecting with you and bringing a touch of beauty and craftsmanship into your world through Kadri Kunnus Pottery.

Warmest regards,

Kadri