Agnieszka Borkowska

Cerama Studio

Ceramicist

©Cerama Studio

Hand-forming for function and art

Agnieszka creates artistic ceramic sculptures, jewellery and everyday objects
She drives inspiration from Gaudi and the way he mixed nature and culture
Her artwork is displayed in art galleries and ceramic exhibitions across Europe

Agnieszka Borkowska’s adventure with ceramics began after completing masters studies in painting and art theory at the Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź in 1998. Two years after graduation she went to AFS in Bergen, Norway, to study ceramics because the combination of colour, drawing and spatial form appealed to her greatly. Inspired by Gaudi’s style and by nature in general, she experimented with different materials and forms, and developed her own decorating techniques. Depending on the material used and the form of the object, Agnieszka's creative process can take between a few weeks and a few months, especially if plaster mould casting is involved. Sometimes she makes up several different versions of the project before she finds the right form. In contrast, her famous hand-formed cups were inspired by a dream she had and were created in the blink of an eye.

Where

Interview

©Cerama Studio

©Cerama Studio

How is your work made?: I work a bit like Gaudi, meaning I combine different materials and techniques like ceramics, metal, stone or wood. I do not do a lot of sketches because the ideas fully form in my head. Sometimes I carry a project in my head for years until it finally materialises.
Do you use any unique techniques in your work?: Over the years I have developed my own technique of hand-forming very thin porcelain objects. I use it both for creating everyday objects and sculptures. To decorate ceramic jewellery and utility items for example, I developed a technique to give the effect of watercolour on ceramics.
What does good design mean to you?: Good design for me is a perfect combination of visual design, with proper ergonomics as well as precision and reliability of workmanship. Good design is also timeless, perfect in its function and form, created with attention and deep reflection on the human condition and its needs.
What would you advise young people starting out in this profession?: Follow your passion and do not be discouraged by failures and difficulties. You will often fail and need to start over. You need to be patient and calmly wait for results.

Agnieszka Borkowska is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1997