Interview with Katarzyna Leszczyńska – Kaszuba

by Aneta Bobryk

The original language of this article in English. If you see this text in a different language it means, it is the automated Google translation.

When did you realize that art is part of you?

I don’t know … it just was – like arms, legs and head.

It grew, developed and finally is what it is. Non-amputable.

What inspires you?

Everything!

What is your story?

I have always looked for the possibility of creative dropping what is in my head. The easiest way is to grab a pencil or paints. And that’s exactly what I did, with different frequencies and different effects.

The camera also accompanied me from my childhood, but of course for many years it was simply capturing important moments, and beautiful places. Just photos for an album. But it was satisfying so I always had a camera and took pictures.

The first thoughts about the composition of the picture or how to show what and how, the first read books on this subject and exploring the topic appeared only in the late 90’s.

Then, for quite a long time, my photography revolved around sports topics, more specifically around caves. Cave climbing as well as rock and mountain climbing is another great passion of mine.

What do you feel when you create?

It depends on whether the effects are satisfactory.

Once upon a time I fought till my end for an effect that would satisfy me – it’s better not to speak out loud what feelings accompany such actions!

Today I learned to let go. I already know that sometimes you have to give yourself some time and come back with a different attitude, a fresh mind, a new way to touch the subject.

Artist: necessary evil or incomprehensible man?

Artist is one of the concepts that are difficult to define. Just like beauty or ugliness. Everyone will have a definition. If I had to create my own, it would include the following phrases:

Creator of the statement.

Eternal seeker, reality interpreter, sensorist.

Recipient and giver of sensations.

If you had a taste for happiness what would it be?

Sweet and salty! And green. And blue.

Which does not translate into creativity at all … I think bitter and black dominate there. Sometimes aggressive red. I like topics that stick under my nails – they are not cute …

Does your talent scare you sometimes? If so, why and what is it about?

I am highly critical of myself and my work.

For many years, I thought that it was just hard work and everyone can work out to a good level. It changed a bit during my studies (the possibility of comparing myself with others) and since I run ceramics workshops and I can observe how it looks with others.

Recently I learned what it means to stop thinking in pictures.

I always considered thinking in pictures, seeing ready-made pictures in my head as a natural thing. Until the moment when, as a result of exhaustion, I lost this ability for a while…. it was really scary! Creativity at the zero level and the inability to make sense out of yourself.

Do you create in absolute silence or on the contrary?

I like to start in silence. So that there is room for thought and focus.

But when I turn off – nothing can stop me.

What supports your creative process? Is it so, for example, during the day, you suddenly have a flash and you can get down to the realization as soon as possible or do you approach your work calmly?

Coffee and cigarettes. Lots of coffee and lots of cigarettes!

The best ideas come to my mind just before going to sleep. Then they go to the notebook next to the bed. They mature there, grow into details – at the same time I gather the necessary materials. Props for photography, sculptures or ceramics, clay, glazes, etc.

When it comes to creative photography or sculpture, it is simply difficult to implement ideas right away. Usually it requires the mentioned preparations

But of course, during a trip with the camera, it happens that an idea appears under the influence of the existing situation and is immediately possible! Alternatively, a photographic base for graphic games with the obtained image.

If the art you create absorbs you completely or can you divide time into everything and everyone?

Absorbs! I have a problem with time sharing.

What are you afraid of?

No ideas! Boredom. Stagnation. People who lie.

What everyone loves and you can’t stand?

The most difficult question of all!

I don’t know what everyone loves… Maybe kitsch? Kamp? Although today kitsch in art often becomes a conscious choice and a way of artistic expression. In this sense, I respect.

So, cannot art be amputated and is it a part of us who lives and dies with us?

Aneta Bobryk

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