We are very happy to feature three unique ceramists of polish origin:
Andrzej Bero (Warsaw), international recognized ceramist who creates unique eclectic gong fu cha ware since the 1990s
Michał Koczor (Warsaw), emerging potter specialised in shinos and soda-firing
Tomasz Niedziółka (Rheinsberg), Anagama-firing artist with sculptural & functional works
Andrzej Bero (Warsaw, Poland)
Andrzej Bero, short BIO:
1969: born in Poland
1990: started pottery class, Uniwersytet Ludowy, Turno
Solo and group exhibitions in Germany, Korea and Taiwan
2018: “journey to the east”, Wisteria Tea House, Taipei, Taiwan
Awarded several prices and honours
2020: awarded at the 9th Taiwan International Gold Teapot Prizes
Andrzej Bero
Andrzej about Brewing Tea
“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”
(From thet website: https://www.homofaber.com/)
Andrzej about Tea culture in Europe and Asia
“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.”
(From thet website: https://www.homofaber.com/)
Michał Koczor (Warsaw, Poland)
Michał Koczor, short BIO:
Background: graphic designer, product designer, design lead (at agencies & software companies)
2019: Started making tea pottery part-time
2021: started sharing his Japanese-influenced works
Since early 2023: full-time potter with focus on Shinos and cone 10 reduction firing
Michał Koczor
Michał about Wheelthrowing
“I’m working exclusively on the pottery wheel and haven’t really got deeper with the other techniques. I just love the spin and movement of the clay. I feel like wheelthrowing is the most natural because you’re not working on the clay - you’re working with the clay.”
(From thet artists instagram: instagram.com/oyu_ceramics/)
Michał about Materials and glazes
“I love organic, almost living pots - that’s why I try to work on local materials, mix local clays and create my own glazes. [...] Love experimenting with different mixes, different minerals, clay bodies and firing techniques. Everything I do here is gas fired. Most of the times I use heavy reduction atmosphere to bring those shinos to life.”
(From thet artists instagram: instagram.com/oyu_ceramics/)
Tomasz Niedziółka (Rheinsberg, Deutschland)
Tomasz Niedziółka, short BIO:
1977: born in Biskupiec, Poland
2003: Graduated in Ceramics at Eugeniusz Geppert Wroclaw AFAD
2009 - 2021: Taught at Painting and Sculpture Department of Eugeniusz Geppert Wroclaw AFAD
2021: Moved to Germany, settled in Rheinsberg (w/ Aino Nebel)
15 years of experience with woodfiring in Korea, France, Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, Estland, Finnland
Numerous solo and group exhibitions
Tomasz Niedziółka
Tomasz about Influences
“I was trained in artistic ceramics as well as in design. During my studies, I went to France twice for an internship at Seung Ho-Yang’s studio in La Borne. There I had my first encounter with Korean culture. Years later, I participated in a Polish-Korean symposium, thanks to which I had the opportunity to get to know that country.”
(From the artist’s letter)
Tomasz about his mode of creation
“As I mentioned, Korean culture has influenced my work. Seeing, for example, a tea bowl as an object for contemplation. This is how I create. I do not approach through utility but by existence.”
(From the artist’s letter)
