Aleksandra Wyszatycka

Pateria Ceramics

Ceramicist

©Aleksandra Wyszatycka Grzesiak

©Roland Okon

©Aleksandra Wyszatycka Grzesiak

Underglaze earthenware with a Polish touch

Aleksandra makes decorative and functional ceramic plates with the kora technique
She is inspired by people and the way they perceive the world
Her objects are made with visually impaired and blind people in mind

Aleksandra Wyszatycka is a ceramicist who specialises in the kora technique – a type of faience decoration in the form of a poured relief. "As a child, I visited an earthenware factory and immediately fell in love with underglaze-painted ceramics," she says. However, Aleksandra did not get into the craft right away. A graduate of Wroclaw Academy of Fine Arts, she spent years working as an interior designer. In 2020, Aleksandra finally dedicated herself to ceramics full-time and founded her own atelier called Pateria Ceramics. She actively casts plates in moulds and hand paints underglazes in making her creations, influenced by the ceramic heritage of her region. "I am inspired by microcosms, nature and people's individual perception of the world," she explains.

Interview

©Roland Okon

©Roland Okon

How did you learn your craft?: Some of the techniques I use today are ones I observed when I was a little girl living near a faience factory. My artisan path was mainly based on studying descriptions of techniques in literature, and seeking experiences that allowed me to reconstruct traditional approaches.
What do you find special about ceramics?: Ceramics allowed me to combine several fields that fascinate me – painting, graphics, textures and old decorative techniques. It is a craft that allows me to experiment and combine different approaches that can be constantly developed and improved.
What drove you to pursue your craft?: In my work as an interior designer, I frequently used ceramics. One project involved plates made using the kora technique. When I found out that there were no ateliers that made them, I decided to devote myself to researching and mastering this remarkable technique.
What is an unforgettable moment in your practice up to now?: In 2022, during my visit to Venice for the Homo Faber Biennial, I came to understand the importance of craftspeople for culture on both local and global levels. I met many wonderful people who inspired me to develop my passion. Today, I am happy to be part of this community.

Aleksandra Wyszatycka is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2000