Vladimír Groh & Yasuyo Nishida

An international outlook

• Vladimír and Yasuyo work exclusively with porcelain
• Vladimír is self-taught while Yasuyo trained in ceramics
• Only a few individuals worldwide use their technique

As a child, Vladimír Groh had a peculiar hobby: modelling porcelain from a Czech factory in his neighbourhood. Years later, this one-time architecture student became head of the Czech Association of Ceramists. He started to travel the world, including to Japan. However he actually met his Japanese wife in his homeland, when Musashino Art University graduate Yasuyo Nishida was attending a symposium in Czechia. It was the start of not only a love story but also a working partnership. Now, when they are not participating in exhibitions, residencies and pedagogical activities worldwide, the two globetrotters live in the small town of Louny, where they run a studio. The pair's unique cultural mix and rare technique make their work one of a kind.

Interview

©Studio Porcelain

©Studio Porcelain

Can you describe your technique?

It’s an industrial technique developed for mass production, but we use it for individual pieces. The basis is casting from plaster moulds followed by distinct shaping and applying various decorative techniques such as painting with metal salts.

How did you get from architecture to porcelain, Vladimír?

Under the communist regime, architecture was dependent on socio-political conditions and the freedom of the profession suffered. So I chose ceramics, which was more individual yet had the same core as architecture – a synthesis of knowledge, skills and imagination.

What led you to ceramics, Yasuyo?

I was always fond of traditional crafts so I studied industrial and craft design ceramics. The fact that simple clay gains a new aspect through the firing process fascinated me. Also the rich ceramic tradition of my country influenced me a lot. It still does.

Does your diverse national heritage inspire you?

Yes, the mix of our nationalities and cultural backgrounds is a great source of inspiration. We study both historical and contemporary porcelain and travel to extend our knowledge. In Japan, we learn the philosophy of ceramics, and in China, craftsmanship skills.

Vladimír Groh & Yasuyo Nishida are master artisans: they began their career in 1984 and they started teaching in 1982

Works

©Vladimir Groh and Yasuyo Nishida

©Vladimir Groh and Yasuyo Nishida

©Vladimir Groh and Yasuyo Nishida

©Vladimir Groh and Yasuyo Nishida

©Vladimir Groh and Yasuyo Nishida

Where