


Cyril Hančl was born in 1964. He lives in Prague-Písnice, where he creates ceramics and stone sculptures made of stone or metal in his studio. He is a graduate of the School of Stonemasonry and Sculpture in Hořice and he learned the basics of working with the potter's wheel in the 1990s in a workshop in Malá Strana, in Prague led by master František Švancar.
He has been working in sculpture since about 1980. He works mostly with natural stone, his most popular materials include marble, granite or limestone, but he also uses other materials, such as iron, bronze, ceramics or wood. His sculptures are characterized by moderation, a sense of material and careful work with details. At the same time, the sculptures do not deny a strong inspiration from nature - they reveal the beauty of the creature. As in nature, the very essence of Cyril's sculptures is their emotional dimension and energy, which gives them their visible shape.
Cyril Hančl's ceramics excel in high aesthetic and utility value. Characteristic minimalist shapes make carefully selected ceramic materials and glazes stand out. He works with traditional material, which moves its processing into the current context. Each piece is created directly on the potter's wheel without templates or moulds and is a unique work.
In addition to his sculptural work and ceramics, Cyril Hančl is also involved in the restoration of sculptures and stone elements in architecture.
"The principles of my pottery making are the same as of my sculpting. Namely, that the objects which we are surrounded by and we touch, are co-shaping our lives. Therefore, it is necessary to approach the creation with the highest responsibility, to be constantly aware and if possible, not to compromise. My main aim is to reduce form, to simplify. Simplification leads the mind to calm. And a quiet mind provides relief to the individual.
Around 25 years ago, there was a distinct lack of pottery for brewing and drinking of tea in Bohemia. Since that time I had a chance to produce thousands of pieces of teapots and bowls, which helped me to master the clay and gave me freedom for the creative process.
Now, I just see the curve inside the bowl and the outer curve. Then they connect at the edge to be touched by the lips."
EXHIBITIONS
2015
Art in the city /České Budějovice and Hluboká nad Vltavou
sculptures
Mariánská Gallery/České Budějovice
paintings
2014
Vinohrady Pavilion Design Store /Prague
permanent sale exposition
2013
Dark Matter at Pokorná Gallery /Prague
2008
8 paintings and 1 sculpture
Prague, Baptist church Topolka
3 + 4, Prague, Pokorná Gallery
sculptures and paintings
2004
SOFA /New York
St'art /Strasbourg
2003
New Additions /Prague, Pokorná Gallery
Art Miami /Miami
ArtForm /West Palm Beach
SOFA /New York
2002
SOFA /New York
SOFA /Chicago
sculptures
2001
Galerie na Jánském vršku /Prague
SOFA /New York
SOFA /Chicago
1997
Summer Garden Exhibition /Prague
1992
Prague Castle Stairs gallery /Prague
1989
Summer Garden Exhibition /Prague
SCULPTURAL WORK IN ARCHITECTURE
2005
Prague, Kolowrat Palace - copies of baroque figures and vases
1998
Prague, Charles Bridge - a copy of the statue of St. Ludmila
1991 - 1994
Prague, The House At the Stone Bell - restoration of medieval palace
1985 - 1990
Prague, restoration of the National Theater building