Artistic Ceramics of the Olejarz Family

According to the Olejarz family artists, ceramics manufacturing in Poland is beginning to develop with more vigor. It is rather a hobby than a profession, because authentic art still loses ground in Polish homes when compared to cheaper, mass production of Chinese goods. Although this last observation has some merit, great interest spawned by artistic ceramics presented at the last Family Fest in Joniec caused a surprise to Ms. Beata Olejarz and her daughter Karolina. Their pieces were not only artistic, but also reasonably priced.

A mother-daughter duo, find inner peace in making ceramic pieces at their studio in Joniec. It is their passion. They have always had artistic inclinations and interests, which were put to good use while working with kindergarten kids. Ms. Olejarz painted and also ran a kindergarten. However, there comes a moment in life when one needs serenity, and this is what making ceramics gives me” says Ms. Olejarz. “When a hobby becomes passion, one starts to grow,” stresses her daughter.

Ceramics creation induces tranquility and joins family members together. Ms. Olejarz passed on her passion not just to her daughter, but later also to her husband Bogdan. It is a way of living a family life and avoiding empty nest syndrome. Her husband, an electronic engineer by education, complements the activities of both women. Ceramics production is a technological process, which requires mold making, firing and glazing, and this is where Mr. Olejarz uses his skills. Manufacturing of ceramics also bonds people beyond the immediate family, and these include all makers of earthenware. “People willingly help each other and give suggestions on how to solve specific problems related to ceramics creation”.

Manufacturing Process
The artists use different types of clay and they shape it by hand or utilize molds. Mr. Olejarz makes plaster moulds for cast on his own and produces unique pieces. He also applies different glazes.

The Olejarz family only makes decorative objects. They use a technique rooted in Japan called raku. The raku piece is fired at a temperature of about 1000 degrees Centigrade and then placed in a vessel where oxygen reduction occurs. As a result, the piece acquires a golden “glow”, i.e. the glaze exhibits a specific, metallic sheen. Using this technique, one cannot entirely predict the final look and every piece is unique.

Artists: Beata Olejarz, Karolina Włodarczyk, Bogdan Olejarz
Location: Joniec
Contact: ph. 504 287 361, email: bettka_wawa@interia.pl