Karolina Szeląg

Ceramicist

Searching for art in ordinary things

Karolina has been working with ceramics and porcelain, and making artistic sculptures since the late 1990s
She combines classicism with modernity, drawing inspiration from nature and everyday life
She likes to experiment and combines ceramics with other materials, like gold or bronze

Karolina Szeląg always dreamed of practising a craft. As a little girl she wanted to live in a mud house. She made her first work at the age 16 and it was a 1m high clay sculpture of a woman, with large hips and a disproportionately small head, holding a bouquet of flowers. Since then Karolina has gained popularity with her series of colourful porcelain household ceramics, unique thanks to hand decoration and painting. To this day, she draws inspiration from surrounding people and nature. As she says herself, "I try to combine craftsmanship with accents of art." Her works can be found all over the world, from her hometown of Koszalin to San Lorenzello and Tokyo.

Interview

What differentiates your work from others'?: It fascinates me that ceramics have countless ways of achieving their goal. There are as many techniques as there are people. Everyone deals with this matter in their own, specific way, using a diverse range of colours and a unique way of making.
How would you define ‘good craftsmanship’?: I try to combine good craftsmanship with accents of art and design consciously. I appreciate the practical side of the subject.
Do all your works share a common priniciple?: My works are all very diverse, which suits my constantly evolving personality, searching, curious and changeable. Sometimes I feel like I cannot be defined, labelled or contained in a particular frame or box.
Do you have any advice for young artisans who are trying their hand at this craft?: It is difficult to give advice because everyone has their individual path and their own values in life. From my experience, I think you should be hardworking and consistent in actions to achieve your goal, but allow yourself to make mistakes and experiment with your craft.

Karolina Szeląg is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1996