I was going in a different direction on an arbitrary itinerary when I saw a poster for the Berlin Make Markt ...monthly...the first Sunday of the month in Prenzlaurberg...Today.

The market was quite small, and similar to Australian and US markets in mainly offering jewelry. There was a knife maker, several furniture resurrectors, and some knitted lampshades.

I engaged in my usual behavior of buying rings that are too big because it's hot and my hands are swollen. I knew I was doing it.

Then I met Helmut Menzel and bought a porcelain espresso cup, cut with a knife.

Helmut learned ceramics from his parents, then went to art school and worked for an artist. "I couldn't keep my hands off this profession. I have too many ideas."

He explained that he doesn't try to create something that will sell. "I make what I like."

He offers his work at the Berlin artisan market and at some annual artisan markets.

"I don't like selling with shops. First, they take 40% of the money. But also I need to be able to see the people, how they handle it, the questions they ask me."

"I need to watch. Is it going in her eye?"

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