Hi, I’m Grazyna,

Artist’s Statement:

I enjoy seeing the dance between maker and material, the way I interact with the clay creates a specific and unrepeatable language in the work. My predilection for speed and looseness coupled with the innate qualities of clay: the fluidity, the stretch, the eventual tiredness and cracking, create something I am being endlessly excited and captivated by. The marriage between materials and maker is a relationship I am excited to continue exploring throughout my practise.

My earthenware work takes inspiration from traditional slipware, I love the contrast of terracotta and white slip and approaching both with a playful touch. Slip, splashing and pouring and teasing onto pots, the moment after when the shine sits and you could take a spoonful out of the ice cream surfaces. I coax the slip with my hands and a jug, and it goes where it wants.

My stoneware work is where I have been exploring atmospheric firing methods, predominantly wood and soda. The chance and serendipity afforded by atmospheric firings are elements which elevate pieces. These reflect my impulse for the materials to be able to show their innate qualities and compliment my loose and playful approach to form making and slip decoration. Moving forward I’m eager to continue learning about these atmospheric firing methods through residencies and visiting and working with potters already utilising these exciting methods.

I’m a potter based in Glasgow, raised in Argyll and trained in Stoke-on-Trent. I studied History of Art at The University of Aberdeen and after working in hospitality for several years I moved to Stoke-on-Trent to complete the diploma course at Clay College. After graduating in 2024, I moved back to Glasgow, and soon travelled down to St Ives to complete a 3 month stint as a production potter at The Leach Pottery. Upon returning to Glasgow I undertook the Glasgow Ceramics Studio Graduate Internship, where I continue in this role now.

My practise is centred around creating energetic pots that give a sense of fun and spontaneity to the user, observer. Be it mugs or platters or sculptures, capturing energy, a moment of movement, is what I want my work to communicate.

I work in terracotta with white slip and transparent and honey glazes. I also work in gas fired stoneware , and try and get involved in wood or soda firings whenever the chance present itself.