Pakker’s unique body of work reveals a totally fresh approach to metal art

The coffee set sits on the granite conference table, centerpiece of the office of G2, an internationally recognized architectural firm. It could be the product of some master artisan from the 22nd century. Or it could come from the hands of skilled craftsmen of the ancient world. But in fact, it is the work of Ulrich Pakker, and he lives solidly in the present in the Northwest.

Pakker’s art has drawn quite a bit of attention lately. Designers are always looking for exactly what he is able to present — rich new expressions and uses for familiar materials combined with a craftsmanship that is painstaking in its perfection.

Pakker’s strong lines and highly accomplished craftsmanship have also attracted the attention of Gerald Gerron, of G2 Architecture in Seattle.

“He’s a secret too well kept,” explains Gerron. “Pakker’s work deserves to be recognized for what it is — extremely creative, totally fresh, exquisitely crafted and utterly unique.”

When Gerron first saw Pakker’s work, he was just finishing up the new Boeing International Headquarters. “I had been considering developing a signature piece for our firm — one we could present at the dedication of new buildings. When Rich Pakker came in with “Caracol”, I stopped looking. There it was - clean lines, elegant detailing, superior craftsmanship and a style taking us into the 21st century.”

Pakker’s dramatic sense of line combines with designs of a very traditional nature: urns, vases, pitchers and other vessels. Indeed, this paradox of highly modern technique mixed with ultra-traditional themes has made some call his work “techno-artifacts.” Others would not attempt to put Pakker’s work in any category at all. It stands alone.

Fashioned from stainless steel, the coffee service on G2’s conference table is but the latest work produced by Pakker. He is no newcomer to working metal, having 32 years experience. And he comes by it honestly enough, having done his apprenticeship in the trade in Germany at the age of 14. He learned from the master craftsmen of the old school how to lay out, cut, form and weld the difficult metal. His meticulousness springs, in part, from his German heritage and in part from his personality. Unlike most of humanity, Pakker has not only the ability to create perfection in his minds’ eye, but he also has the patience to coax it from his materials.

A rapidly increasing stream of commissions from individuals as well as corporations indicates this secret may well be on its way to being not so secret. Another collector, Bonny O’Connor, vice-president at Holaday-Parks, Inc. in Seattle, describes Pakker’s work as “sensuous, exhibiting excellent craftsmanship. He displays a strong sense of form and space. His art work is so much more refined than what is produced by anyone else within the industry.”

Pamela Pakker-Kozicki, Pakker’s business partner and wife explains "Ulrich's art pieces have magnetism. The shapes are fluid. The combinations of materials, textures and surfaces are unusual. And there simply isn’t anyone else producing art rivaling Ulrich’s.”