Maria Joanna Juchnowska

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Maria Joanna Juchnowska ("MJJ") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

MJJ : My design background is deeply intertwined with my artistic pursuits. As the founder of Mari JJ Design, which was launched in Stockholm and is now based in Oslo, I've had the privilege of participating in international exhibitions and fairs from New York to Tokyo. My education has been a global affair, culminating in recognition like the Honorable Mention at the Cheongju Biennale Craft Competition 2021.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

MJJ : The motivation to design stems from a passion for storytelling through ceramics and jewelry. My designs are not just objects but narratives crafted in porcelain, inspired by my experiences across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The motivation to design stems from a passion for storytelling through ceramics and jewelry. My designs are not just objects but narratives crafted in porcelain, inspired by my experiences across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

MJJ : The decision to become a designer was a deliberate one, fuelled by a lifelong fascination with material art and a desire to express my multicultural experiences through the tactile medium of ceramics.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

MJJ : My current design work spans ceramic art, jewelry, and installations, with a special focus on pieces that reflect a deep engagement with material and form. I aspire to expand my work into traditional ceramic techniques, creating pieces that resonate with a contemporary audience while honoring traditional craftsmanship.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

MJJ : For young designers aiming for "legendary status", my advice is to seek collaboration and embrace a multidisciplinary approach. Engage with different cultures, materials, and techniques, as I have done with high-end companies and luxury brands like Meissen GmbH and Franz Collection in Taiwan/China.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

MJJ : A good designer meets expectations; a great designer exceeds them. My work is recognized by awards like the Martinsons Award 2021 and Make Me! Łódź Design Festival 2019, exemplifies a commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and creating pieces with a lasting impact. Don´t be afraid of failure.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

MJJ : A really good design stands as a testament to both beauty and utility. It's evaluated by its ability to tell a story, as seen in my 'Still Life' compositions, which transform porcelain objects into a narrative of perception and value.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

MJJ : Good design has the power to transform spaces and experiences. It's an investment in culture and identity, as evidenced by my work with porcelain and stoneware factories like Ćmielów, Kristoff, and Bolesławiec in Poland.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

MJJ : If I had the time, I would focus on expanding the Egg Vessels Collection, working more with larger-scale objects and combining them with jewelry-like elements. This collection represents a significant part of my artistic expression, where the smooth, organic forms of the vessels meet the intricate details reminiscent of jewelry, creating a harmonious blend of form and function.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

MJJ : The dream project still awaiting realization is a large-scale installation that weaves together the threads of my Norwegian and Polish heritage, reflecting my role as a founder of the Norwegian Polish Culture Organisation NPoK.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

MJJ : Building on the success of my 'Egg Vessels' series from 2018-2022, if I had more time, I would explore further the transformative process of wood firing. The 'Alabaster Egg Vessels' collection, born from a symposium at the Arctic Ceramic Centre in Posio, Finland, was a profound experience. The local wood of the North and the week-long firing process, led by artists from Singapore and Korea, gave the porcelain an alabaster look that I find deeply inspiring. I would love to delve deeper into this technique, perhaps creating a series that not only captures the essence of the Nordic environment but also tells the story of its cultural heritage through the unique ash glazes and forms that emerge from the flames.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

MJJ : Louise Bourgeois, a master and legend in the art world, has been an inspiration to many, including myself. Her ability to convey deep emotional truths through her large-scale sculptures and installations resonates with my desire to evoke emotions through handcrafted porcelain.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

MJJ : My appreciation for design is reflected in the admiration I have for the works of other designers who, like me, blend functionality with a compelling narrative. Their ability to create pieces that resonate on a personal level, much like my own 'Still Life' compositions, is what I find most inspiring.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

MJJ : The pinnacle of my design journey is the 'Egg Vessels' collection, a series that encapsulates my philosophy of design as an intersection of art and utility. The collection's success at international exhibitions is a testament to its greatness.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

MJJ : Improving as a designer is a continuous process of exploration and learning. My journey has been enriched by embracing hard work and discovering new ways to work with the same materials a path I encourage others to follow.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

MJJ : Had I not ventured into design, I would have pursued a career that still allowed me to express my creativity, perhaps in the realm of art curation or cultural management.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

MJJ : Design, for me, is the language through which I communicate my vision of the world. It is an expression that transcends the creation of objects and becomes a dialogue with the observer.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

MJJ : My journey has been supported by a constellation of mentors, colleagues, and institutions, all of whom have contributed to my growth as a designer. At different stages of my path, different people were my biggest supporters it would not be fair to choose just one. I can honestly say I am the biggest supporter of my career.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

MJJ : What has propelled me to the forefront of design is a relentless pursuit of innovation, coupled with a deep respect for the traditions of craftsmanship.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

MJJ : The road to becoming a master of design was paved with challenges, from finding my unique voice to navigating the complexities of the international design scene.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

MJJ : Designers should present their work as a holistic experience, where the narrative is as compelling as the aesthetics, much like my approach to the 'Ø wave set' collection.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

MJJ : My upcoming projects will continue to push the boundaries of ceramic art, exploring new forms and expressions that reflect my evolving design ethos.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

MJJ : My ultimate goal is to leave an indelible mark on the world of design, creating pieces that are not only visually stunning but also imbued with meaning and purpose.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

MJJ : As an esteemed designer, people expect me to deliver designs that are both innovative and timeless, setting new standards in the field of design.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MJJ : Design has the power to shape society, to make our lives more beautiful and functional, and to inspire us to see the world in new ways.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

MJJ : I am currently engaged in the Baltic Raku firings, an exciting project that presents a unique way of firing ceramics known as Obvara. This technique offers a distinctive aesthetic to the pieces, enriching my portfolio with its traditional yet innovative approach.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

MJJ : Design has the power to shape society, to make our lives more beautiful and functional, and to inspire us to see the world in new ways.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

MJJ : I would like to see the design industry become more inclusive and sustainable, reflecting a broader range of voices and perspectives.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

MJJ : The design field is on the cusp of a new era, where digital and traditional techniques merge to create a new language of design. We should embrace both equally as designers and not let anything blind us or take shortcuts while designing the new.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

MJJ : Finalizing a design project is a meticulous process that can vary in time, but it is always driven by a commitment to excellence and integrity in design.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

MJJ : When I embark on a new design project, I start by immersing myself in the project's context. I gather inspiration from the environment, the intended users, and the purpose it serves. This holistic approach ensures that my designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply connected to their intended function and audience.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

MJJ : As a designer, my life motto is inspired by April Greiman's words: "Design must seduce, shape and perhaps more importantly, evoke an emotional response." This philosophy drives every aspect of my creative process, ensuring that each design I create is not just functional but also emotionally resonant.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

MJJ : I believe that design and trends have a symbiotic relationship. While design can certainly set trends by introducing innovative concepts, trends also influence design by reflecting the cultural and societal zeitgeist that designers tap into.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

MJJ : I use it only as a helping tool. I don't put my hopes on it too much I rely on myself. But I get inspired by it. I like to stay fully in control of what I am bringing into this world.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

MJJ : In my work, I avoid digital tools in favor of the tactile experience of sculpting by hand. This traditional approach allows me to connect deeply with the material, shaping each design with precision and a personal touch that software simply cannot replicate. It's a method that demands patience and skill, but the emotional response it evokes in both the creator and the observer is unparalleled.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

MJJ : Color, materials, and ambient play crucial roles in design. They are the elements that give form to the designer's vision, evoke emotions, and create the atmosphere that makes a design truly stand out.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

MJJ : I wish people would ask about the stories behind my designs. Each piece I create is not just an object of beauty but a narrative that reflects my thoughts, experiences, and the world around me. I believe that design should not only seduce and shape but also evoke an emotional response.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

MJJ : When I encounter a new great design or product, I am filled with curiosity about the designer's process and the choices they made. I wonder about the journey from concept to realization and the challenges they overcame along the way.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

MJJ : My ideal design partner is someone who shares my passion for innovation and has complementary skills. I believe in co-design as a powerful method for combining different perspectives and expertise to create something truly unique.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

MJJ : The people who have had the most influence on my design are those who have challenged me to think differently, whether they are mentors, colleagues, production workers or even critics. Their insights have helped shape my approach to design.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

MJJ : The books that have had the most effect on my design are those that explore the intersection of art, science, philosophy, and self-awareness. They have broadened my understanding of the world and inspired me to infuse my designs with greater depth.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

MJJ : The books that have had the most effect on my design are those that explore the intersection of art, science, and philosophy. They have broadened my understanding of the world and inspired me to infuse my designs with greater depth.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

MJJ : Irrespective of time and space, I would want to meet Louis Bourgeois. Her genius and insatiable curiosity are qualities I admire and strive to emulate in my work.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

MJJ : The awards and recognition I have received are humbling, and while fame is momentary, it also provides a platform to inspire others and make a positive impact in the world of design. I don't feel I have accomplished enough, sky is the limit.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

MJJ : My favorite color is turquoise, a color that reminds me of both the depth of the ocean and the vastness of the sky. My favorite place is on the move while traveling. My favorite food is discovering new tastes. My favorite season is spring, a time of renewal and creativity. My favorite thing is a well-crafted ceramic piece, and my favorite brand stands for sustainability, innovation and produces beautiful yet meaningful and useful objects.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

MJJ : A little memoir from my experiences as a designer involves the "Holly set," which began as a commission for a Eucharistic set. The project took an unexpected turn when the priest, who had served most of his life, decided to leave the monastery, marry, and start a family. This set is a testament to the unpredictable nature of life and the stories that emerge from it.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

MJJ : What makes my day great as a designer is the ability to create something that didn't exist before in the shape and form I am about to make. I motivate myself by setting new challenges and reminding myself of the joy that comes from solving design and technical problems of ceramics.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

MJJ : If I had the time, I would focus on expanding the Egg Vessels Collection, working more with larger scale objects and combining them with jewelry-like elements. This collection represents a significant part of my artistic expression, where the smooth, organic forms of the vessels meet the intricate details reminiscent of jewelry, creating a harmonious blend of form and function.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

MJJ : Thinking about the future, I imagine a world where design is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of life, enhancing our experiences and solving complex problems. In a thousand years, I see design as a universal language that connects humanity across time and space.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

MJJ : To my fans, I want you to know that your support fuels my creativity. My design is a reflection of my journey, and I hope it inspires you to pursue your passions. Remember, every object has a story, and every design is an opportunity to tell your.