Growing up in Poland, Joanna’s childhood was spent surrounded by paintings, oil paints, and canvases. So, it was no surprise that she would continue the multi-generational legacy of artists in her family.
At 19, Joanna followed her passion for ceramics to the home of pottery, Stoke-on-Trent, to complete a BA in 3D Design Ceramics at Staffordshire University.
Her work explores different themes to tell stories. Often drawing upon her fascination with nature to explore how movement and growth are portrayed in sculpture. As well as creating work that connects with the communities she is a part of - communicating shared experiences and creating a sense of belonging.
After graduating in 2012, she continues to take small and large-scale commissions, collaborating with other established artists, and facilitating clay workshops. Joanna also shares her knowledge as an ACL (Adult and Community Learning) Lecturer at South Staffordshire College in Lichfield and as an Associate Artist at the British Ceramics Biennial.
Joanna believes ceramic art is more than just something to look at; that clay can hold and help express people’s emotions and experiences. Through her own work and that of her students, she encourages connection with both the materials and creative process to create art that tells unique stories of people, places, and communities.
Clay Workshops & Residencies
Previous workshops:
"ReClaim" with British Ceramics Biennial
Emerging Artist as part of "Making Together" Clay residency with Craftspace
Burslem Butterflies as part of "What is Now?" with ArtCity
Drop in sessions at the Gladstone Pottery Museum as part of"Terms and Conditions" by Dunhill and O'Brien
Sculpture workshop "Focus on Hanley" by Airspace Gallery and British Ceramics Biennial
"Mini Makers" at the Brewhouse Arts Centre
Part of Clay sessions at "Exploring the Wider World Project" by Early Education
"Mini Makers" Clay sessions at the Brewhouse Arts Centre
"Crafting Communities" Staffordshire Libraries and Arts Service, Barton Library.
Pottery sessions lead at Art for Health project with Royal Orthopedic Hospital
One of the lead Artists for the Tactile Project Space at All Saints Church during the British Ceramics Biennial 2023.
Current workshops:
Community
Clay Butterflies making workshop, "What is Now?" project created by the Art City programme.
Burslem, 2018
Photo by Natalie Willatt
Adult Learning
Slip decoration session at South Staffordshire College in Lichfield. Adult and Community education offers many creative courses to all abilities. Pottery class is also a great way to mingle and meet other local creatives.