Soft, ephemeral jellyfish floating in the glistening surface of water; over-scaled horsetails; ornamental thistles; multicolored crotons shimmering in the light. Substantial water lilies; shamelessly pink and vivid hollyhocks, intricately tangled fungi and lichens. Vibrant jungles in the full spectrum of their insistent greens. Although graphically executed with a clear aim toward synthesis, Stefania Michałowska's works seem to encapsulate the very essence of nature—its complexity, lush energy, and dense floral vitality. Attentiveness, wonder, and a fairy-tale naiveté are evident in these botanical stories, reflecting an almost childlike fascination, akin to Mehoffer's idyllic gardens or Rousseau's tropical forests.
The artist conducts a meticulous study of nature, inspired by Eastern aesthetics. One can feel the meditation over each stem, petal, tendril, and leaf vein in her representations. With a Japanese-like tenderness toward material and absolute reverence for the medium, she constructs dynamic yet internally balanced pieces. In Michałowska’s ceramic works, colors and lines engage in a symbiotic dialogue. Meanders of grout contour and organize clear structure of the composition. The specific technique demands geometric precision, as each ceramic image consists of individually crafted, unique elements, carefully formed and covered in subtle layers of slip (engobe) or paint. The intentional variety of shapes and textures—sometimes matte, at other times glazed—imbues them with a highly haptic quality.
The true alchemy of Michałowska’s work lies in the act of double creation. To construct a mosaic, she first creates a carefully designed, abstracted, standalone ceramic tile. A piece with a specific shape, texture, color, influenced by several factors, such as temperature and firing time. These individual tiles later come together to form a full-scale image. The artist’s pedantry, analytical attention, dedication and commitment to the process align her approach with that of the old master artisans. Her focus on uniqueness, artistry and craftsmanship stands out in an era of mass reproduction and overconsumption. Yet, this mathematical precision does not diminish the spontaneity, expressiveness, or vitality of her compositions. At times abstract, at others stylized with flowing Art Nouveau lines, the tiles form a harmonious, orchestrated whole. In these rhythmic, contrast-filled ceramic images, much like in an exotic plant, there lies a celebration of life.