Poznań Daily sat down with Natalia, the creative force behind Art Maker Space in Lazarz, a workshop haven for everything from ceramics to floristry. We got the lowdown on her artistic journey, the challenges of running a creative hub, and even a few hilarious moments from the studio.
If you could make a ceramic piece for a famous person, who would it be and what would you create?
Natalia: If I could choose only one person, it would be Frida Kahlo. I’d make a huge plate or vase inspired by her paintings—full of bold colors, surreal elements, and raw emotion. She was such a strong woman, and I often look to her work for inspiration.
How did you first get into ceramics? Was it always your dream?
Natalia: Funny enough, my first attempt at ceramics was a disaster. In college, we had to make an apple out of clay. Sounds easy, right? Well, I failed miserably. I gave up and asked a friend to do it for me. Fast forward a few years—right before graduation, I got an opportunity to work at a ceramics studio. They were experimenting with smoking pipes and new ideas, so I decided to give it another shot. That’s when everything clicked. I was 19, and I never looked back.
What’s your favorite part of working with ceramics? Any special techniques you love?
Natalia: The best part is firing new pieces. You think you know how they’ll turn out, but they always surprise you in the best way. My favorite technique? Painting with engobes. I recently recreated Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” on a ceramic piece, and it turned out amazing.
If Art Maker Space had a ceramic piece that represented you, what would it look like?
Natalia: AMS already has a few pieces that scream “me”:
- A tiny ceramic palette with paints (because I love mixing colors).
- Miniature cups and kettles, decorated with small ornaments—the smaller the piece, the more I love it!
What’s the most challenging part of ceramics, and how do you deal with it?
Natalia: The kiln. It’s unpredictable. You can do everything right, but once that door closes, you have zero control over what happens inside. The only way to deal with it is to develop your own understanding of clay, glazes, and firing—which every ceramicist does in their own way.
Running a creative space like AMS must be exhausting. How do you balance your own work with teaching?
Natalia: Honestly, it’s tough. Workshops aren’t even my main job, so it’s a constant juggling act. The key is not putting too much pressure on myself—allowing my creative work and teaching to fuel each other instead of competing for my time.
Funniest thing that’s ever happened in one of your workshops?
Natalia: Oh, easy. A birthday party for one of my closest friends. She made it a themed event where everyone had to sculpt erotic ceramic pieces. At first, people were shy. An hour in? Total chaos. Let’s just say there were some very… creative designs, and we laughed the entire night.
Describe a moment when you felt truly proud of a ceramic piece you created.
Natalia: I once made a plate inspired by Maria Prymachenko, one of Ukraine’s most famous painters. It turned out so beautiful that I built an entire workshop around the theme. Watching others create their own versions was incredible—it exceeded all expectations.
How do you make beginners feel confident when trying ceramics for the first time?
Natalia: Most of our visitors are beginners, so the workshops are structured to ease them in. First, we go over the basics—understanding clay, how it reacts, and how to shape it. Then, I guide them through their own creative process, offering suggestions but letting them take the lead. That way, by the end, they feel like they truly created something themselves.
If you could teach a one-on-one ceramics workshop to any famous person, who would it be?
Natalia: I honestly can’t choose just one person. There are so many creative minds I’d love to work with! But I think the perfect student would be someone who sees life as a journey, loves trying new things, and enjoys sharing their experiences. Those are the best kinds of people to create with.
Want to Get Your Hands Dirty?
Art Maker Space runs seasonal workshops, private sessions, and team-building events—so whether you want to sculpt, paint, or try floristry, there’s something for everyone. Keep up with their latest events and workshops by following @ArtMakerSpace on Instagram.
