Q&A with Karolina Grudniewska of KaroArt ceramics: Fired up by a discovery of ceramics

Aileen Lee interviews Karolina Grudniewska of KaroArt ceramics.

Sat, 26 Nov, 2016 - 00:00

Aileen Lee

What’s your background?

My road to discovering ceramics was long and winding. I originally planned to study in the Art Academy back in Poland, but ended up training as an English teacher.

After coming to Ireland, I studied Interior Architecture and that brought me back into the creative realm of thinking. But instead of working in interiors after graduating, I unexpectedly discovered ceramics and have entirely fallen for it. I’m a self-taught, almost anincidental designer and maker.

What’s a typical work day like for you?

I’m always looking for better ways to organise myself at work. There was a time when I started studio work as bright and early as 7am. I’m now back to more usual hours but still find mornings to be most productive.

I often start with looking through emails or doing an hour of admin in the morning at home. I then go to the studio and start my day’s work, which often stretches on until late, especially when things get busy.

Thanks to my dog, Leeloo, I have learned to take and value regular breaks. We go for a walk at lunchtime and we get a couple of PE breaks playing ball in the yard outside the workshop. It’s not only fun but also it refreshes my mind and helps with productivity. I believe that having a dog should be compulsory for every self-employed person.

Tell us about a recent or favourite design or project that you have worked on?

This Christmas I’m introducing a new range of wall plates. They are fun and quirky, and not entirely mainstream so I’m very curious to see how customers will react.

The design is quite striking — contrasting black rim with a creamy white background, and free hand-sketched drawings and splashes of gold. The plates feature rainbows, forests, and seascapes, as well as images of animals that can be encountered in the magic forests and in the skies and seas of Ireland.

The animal sketches are a bit of a joke — they are styled to resemble old-fashioned family portraits of grumpy cousins, sad uncles, and fierce aunts.

What’s your design style?

My designs are simple and modern in form, but there is also a highly decorative element to my work. In terms of shape, I follow a simple geometry of full and half-circles, spheres, squares and tubes — all of my work is easily defined within these few basics. I decorate with bold patches of colour and hand-sketched pencil drawings that are unique to each piece.

What/who inspires your work?

Nature and the organic forms are a never-ending source of inspiration. I have a weak spot for all that’s whimsical and charming — magical realism and fairy stories are influential to my work. I’m a huge animal lover and furry or feathery creatures are often a reccurring theme in my hand-sketched pieces.

What’s your favourite trend at the moment (if you have any)?

I am glad to see a trend that introduces freshness, airiness and an organic feel to interiors and accessories. One that creates a calm, settling, and harmonious enclave so needed in the fast-paced world we live in. I like the focus to be on a gentle play of texture and colour, which uses natural materials.

Who would be your favourite designer, or style inspiration?

It is impossible for me to pinpoint a favourite artist or maker. There are too many fantastic influences out there and too many artists and designers that I admire — be they established names or unknown makers whose work I discover and follow on social media.

What would be a dream project/design for you to work on?

While decorating my own house, me and my partner designed and made wall tiles for our bathroom and kitchen. It was hard work and quite challenging but the satisfaction of working on a large scale project was enormous.

I would love to have an opportunity to work on similar commission work in the future, creating unique wall murals for interior spaces. For now, I have satisfied my need to work on similar projects by making a large scale mosaic panel entitled ‘The Sumatran Tiger’. The piece was placed amongst the tropical plants of the Palm House of the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin and was an award winner at this year’s ‘Sculpture in Context’ exhibition.

Have you any design tips for us?

‘Slow design’ would be my advice — I see designing as a process that naturally takes time and is gradual. It’s worth embracing it and letting the elements fall into their place. What I mean by that is make well thought-out choices, go for less but invest in good quality and/ or special finds.

I am all for neutral backgrounds that lend themselves nicely to adding personal touches and character. The outcome is timeless, meaningful design is not disposed of easily, as trends pass.