Andrzej Bero

Ceramicist

©Andrzej Bero

©Staniaław Bero

The teaware maker

Andrzej has exhibited in Germany, Korea and Taiwan
His teapot was awarded 9th at the Taiwan International Gold Teapot Prizes
For 10 years he ran a ceramic workshop at a centre for blind children

In Asian cultures, the tea ceremony is filled with mysticism and centuries-old traditions. Brewing tea is associated with harmony and peace. "In all the hustle of the world it is such a good time to sit down and do something that is so focused on the activity itself" – says Andrzej Bero who became involved with ceramics over 20 years ago. In the 90s he followed ceramic classes for two years at People’s University in Turno, and soon after joined one of the oldest Polish ceramic groups – KERAMOS. Although from the beginning he was interested in teaware, meeting people who deal with tea had a big impact on his work: "So far, I have just made teapots. But now I think about form and size, the way they are decorated or glazed, all this matters. I have devoted myself completely to it."

Interview

©Andrzej Bero

©Staniaław Bero

Does the culture of the East Asia affect your work?: It is inevitable. Ceramic itself and the tea tradition comes from the East, where they developed pottery and equipment for enjoying brewed tea. However, I grew up in a different culture. So, my works are influenced by my aesthetics and sensitivity. Here in Europe the tea culture has gone in a different direction.
What are the differences?: Most European teaware is smaller, usually because we tend to drink alone. Furthermore, without cultural restrictions, we can mix different traditions. For example, here a popular teapot is the shiboridashi, which in Japan would be used only in narrow circles for a special kind of tea.
Do you work mainly on a potter’s wheel?: Some of my teaware is also made by hand. I use a slice of unrolled clay and give it texture by tossing it at the right angle. Under the influence of this impact it extends evenly. It gives the clay an interesting texture, a bit like the bark of a tree or cracked ground.
Will you ever get bored with tea pottery?: I don't know what will happen in the future, but right now I don't feel weary of it. I love working on the potter’s wheel watching an object emerge from the solid material. It is an experience that keeps one from tiring of this work, even if it looks like I'm doing the same thing all the time.

Andrzej Bero is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1993