Primeval aesthetic with rich details
- Alicja and Jakub create all of their objects outdoors
- They combine metal, stone, gemstones and many other materials to make furniture pieces
- They describe their style as romantic brutalism
Alicja Prussakowska and Jakub Kijowski first met at Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, where Alicja studied industrial design and Jakub sculpture. Their shared passion for craftsmanship and experimentation led them to start working together in 2020. The duo founded their workshop, Formsophy, where they handcraft works at the intersection of art and design. Exploring new ways to fuse materials, they apply and develop a range of techniques from traditional metal sculpting and casting methods, to stone carving and blacksmithing, welding and aluminium shaping. "Our work is about material exploration, form and texture – finding a balance between rawness and refinement," they explain. Alicja and Jakub do not have a classic workshop, instead they craft all their objects outside, surrounded by birch trees.
Interview
- Did you learn your craft from a master?
- Jakub: I developed my skills independently. My approach to metalworking came from hands-on experimentation – building motorcycles from scratch, shaping aluminium fuel tanks, casting custom parts, and constructing entire frames. Alicja: Jakub introduced me to the process of metal casting and stone sculpting.
- In what way is your craft connected to nature and territory?
- Both: Our work is inspired by natural forms – river stones, eroded rocks, and the way materials change over time. While not tied to a specific region, it reflects the raw beauty of nature and the process of transformation.
- What do you love most about your craft?
- Alicja: Working with aluminium fascinates me. I also love the unknown: new discoveries, future projects, and ideas that have not taken shape yet. Jakub: The freedom to experiment. Working with aluminium, stone, and other raw materials feels like an endless field of discovery.
- What constitutes a well-made piece to you?
- Alicja: A well-made object has presence, balance, and a tactile quality that makes you want to interact with it. It is not about perfection but about how materials and form come together in an honest way. Jakub: It is something that carries both strength and soul.
Alicja Prussakowska & Jakub Kijowski are rising stars: they began their career in 2020
Where
Alicja Prussakowska & Jakub Kijowski
