Veronika Švábeníková, born in Uničov, is a designer of ceramics and porcelain. She studied at the Faculty of Art and Design of Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem and then graduated from UMPRUM in Prague in the Studio of Ceramics and Porcelain under the guidance of Maxim Velčovský and Milan Pekar. She is currently working on marbled vases called Marble. She uses an experimental technique that combines traditions from India and Japan with unconventional methods. The whole collection is the result of a long development with unpredictable results, so that each vase is an original. In recent years, her work has been shown at design shows such as Designblok and Prague Design Week. The vases were also presented at a joint exhibition with the Ceramics and Porcelain Studio, organised by the Czech Centre in London. Her work can be found for purchase in several art galleries and design shops not only in Prague or Bratislava, but also in Olomouc in the off-collective.
What attracted you to study ceramics and porcelain?
Studying this field was actually an accident. I originally wanted to study painting, which I also applied for in high school. But I wasn't accepted there and they offered me ceramics as an alternative. So I joined and over time I found that this material suited me perfectly in my expression.
What was the first impetus for the Marble collection?
The Marble collection was created as a thesis at UMPRUM, the assignment was colour. I was looking for a way to decorate ceramics without using digital technology or painting myself. The initial impulse to use the technique was a video with DIY instructions on how to decorate a mug with nail polish. I thought to myself, surely no normal person can use this afterwards.
You were inspired by traditional techniques from India and Japan. Can you give us an idea of them?
I was inspired by a technique called ebru. It comes from India and Japan and is used to decorate silk or paper. It uses traditional natural dyes and for example buffalo bile. I experimented with that at the beginning as well and just getting it was not easy at all.
How does the process of marbling on a scale work?
Using brushes and sticks, I apply ceramic paints to the water surface, where I then modify them into the final ornament. I then dip the once-fired vase, which is already hardened but still sucks, into the water bath thus prepared. The decoration is transferred to the vase and is finished. However, the ornaments thus created cannot be removed from the vase, nor can any more be applied over them. So I have only one attempt for each one and sometimes it is a big adrenaline rush.
You have promoted your design vases at Designblok and Prague Design Week. Were the fairs beneficial for you or your brand? And in what way?
The various fairs are definitely beneficial, unfortunately I have not been able to participate fully in them in recent years. What I like most is the atmosphere and the opportunity to meet interesting people in the industry or potential buyers. I always leave these events full of new energy to create.
How do you perceive the attitude of the public towards design products on the Czech market?
I perceive it positively and I think it's getting better and better. It seems to me that more and more people want to surround themselves with designer pieces and think about the things around them in terms of quality, originality and sustainability.
Does your home decorate with any interesting design pieces from Czech or foreign manufacturers?
We have a small apartment, which unfortunately doesn't fit a lot of things. We own a few interesting paintings and prints. But I prefer to wear designer pieces, so you can find most of them in my wardrobe and shoe closet. :)
Do you have any favourite designers?
There are... I'm really into the work of Italian artist Coralla Maiuri at the moment. Her work is at the intersection of design and art. She creates dreamy galaxies on the surface of ceramic and porcelain tableware.
What do you use to choose the sales galleries or design shops where people can buy your vases?
The main thing for me is the overall concept of the place and the people behind it. For me, the main thing is not to be seen everywhere, but rather in places that I internally resonate with.
What are your future plans for your brand? Are you planning to expand the Marble collection to include products other than vases, for example, or to venture into another collection?
Last year, due to my pregnancy, I had to change the whole technology and start from scratch, so to speak. This has not been easy and I am currently exploring how far these changes can take my technique and what new things they have brought. In the near future, the collection is going to be redesigned and I am also working on another new shape.
