Karolina Sara Gardzilewicz is the author of a ceramic washstand. The object, made on a potter's wheel, refers to old times, human ties and rituals of everyday life. The work was created at the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in Wroclaw under the direction of Dr. Gabriel Palowski.
Theceramic washstand is a master's thesis entitled "Zones of the sacred and profane." The set of stoneware dishes with racks is a response to the notion of sacrum and profanum. All people are united by basic needs such as access to water and hygiene, but also by the need to be in close relationship with others, a communal life enriched by rituals and the beauty of the environment. It is these that shape the design thought in relation to the function that the vessel and ceramics play in the living space.
The ceramic pieces were made on a potter's wheel
© Karolina Sara Gardzilewicz
building closeness
The act of washing includes a pragmatic aspect, but also a symbolic one. The optimal functioning of a washroom presupposes mutual assistance between two people, thus building relationships and trust. The return to simple systems of using water influences the awareness of water consumption and enables its secondary use.
For the washroom to function mutual help of two people is needed
© Karolina Sara Gardzilewicz
According to Karolina Sara Gardzilewicz:
"The inspiration for the project came from the memories of my mother, who as a child acted as a 'pourer' for her dad. The ritual looked like this: when he came home after work, her daughter would wait with a pot to help him wash his hands and face before meals. This, she says, made her feel proud of her function, needed. During the day, it was a moment of closeness between them.
balance and rotation
The shape and function of the pieces result from modeling on the potter's wheel, which gives them not only a distinctive aesthetic, but also contains a symbolic dimension that alludes to the metaphysics of the circle. The craftsmanship technique used is also recorded in the subsequent use - rotation. It also refers to the balance that is necessary in the conscious use of water resources. In this case, there must be enough of it for everyone - the tank is sufficient for the daily hygiene of two people. In the project, the author tried to show the use of craftsmanship, symbolism and metaphysical qualities associated with rotating vessel forms.
washbasin on a wooden frame
© Karolina Sara Gardzilewicz
stoneware vessels and usage
The set of stoneware vessels includes a water tank, two washbasins and ceramic stoppers. The grooves in the walls of the vessel allow it to be mounted on wood or metal racks, or suspended from ropes using a climbing block. This allows the facility to be used in two ways, both outdoors and indoors. One option is a hanging basin. Suspending the basin allows water to be dispensed, depending on the height adjustable by lines, in the form of a shower or at the basin on a metal rack.
washbasin in suspended version
© Karolina Sara Gardzilewicz
The second way to use it is an upright washbasin on a wooden or metal frame. In order to use it indoors, one must fill the tank with water brought in buckets, then place the buckets under the drains of the washbasins and use the installation with the help of a second person.
The Washroom project is presented at the national exhibition Design 32 - Best Design Diplomas of the Academy of Fine Arts 2019, in Katowice, Poland.
compiled by: Dobrawa Bies
illustrations courtesy of Karolina Sara Gardzilewicz.
