The New Look of Polish Pottery - The Artist behind the Art

The New Look of Polish Pottery - The Artist behind the Art

RENESANS by DOROTA KOZIARA

On her last shopping trip to Poland, Gosia Rojek, Owner of Pas Par Tou fell in love with the clean, graphic patterns of designer Dorota Koziara. As an avid collector of Unique Polish Pottery, Gosia felt that this new interpretation would be a wonderful addition to the traditional patterns that she already sold. The beautiful collection is now available in the Greenport, NY location as well as online at www.pas-par-tou.com.

The Renesans Collection is the result of searching  for traditional pottery made by Bolesławiec  Manufactory and its modern interpretation.  The artist had decided to create a collection which  would constitute the modern interpretation  of pottery traditions present in Bolesławiec. Pottery  manufactured in accordance with traditional  formulas unchanged for many years, as well as  the tradition which has survived historical turmoil  and is still an element which develops the region’s  identity, were used as the starting point.

Renaissance, which means revival, is the  development of trends stemming from strong  tradition, the creation of new aesthetics while  respecting classical designs, harmony and variety  of decorative designs. The result of this approach  is the development of the collection which,  similarly to the Renaissance, combines various  disciplines, provides the possibility to make one’s  own combinations using the collage technique,  with harmonized shades and complementing  patterns. It is the diversion from minimalism,  it is variety which also creates a harmonised whole.

The Renesans Collection design by Dorota Koziara  Studio was created in 2015. The artist invited the  young designers Joanna Mazurek and Francesco  Ippoliti to cooperate.

A part of the collection will be presented as the  main Trendy 2016 installation at this year’s Ambient fair in Frankfurt.

Courtesy of Manufaktura w Bolesławcu

Who Loves Linen? We Do....

Soft Washed Tea Towels in Vibrant Prints

If you have shopped at Pas Par Tou, or www.pas-par-tou.com, you are familiar with the beautiful line of soft washed linens that we carry. Our linen collection is available in our shop in Greenport and on our Newly Updated Website. Our linens are sourced from a small family run factory in Poland. All of the linen used has been washed several times before printing, cutting and sewing. The factory employs a local artist who creates the beautiful prints of herbs, vegetables, fruits, flowers, wildlife and elements of nature. The prints are vibrant and charming, making for a perfect hostess gift or gorgeous addition to your dining and kitchen areas.

Pot Holders 50/50 Linen Cotton Blend

Our linen line includes: Teatowels, Pillows, Table Linens, Bed Linens, Aprons, Mitts and Clothing. The reason behind our love for linen is the tactile quality and luxury that linen embodies. As we all know, linen feels cool to the touch and has a very smooth finish. Linen "breathes" as a natural fiber, making it ideal for a myriad of uses. The more linen is washed the softer and more absorbent it becomes. That is why we encourage machine washing of many of our items as opposed to dry cleaning.

Poppies, One our most popular prints

The natural colors of linen range from ivory, cream, taupe to gray and have a soft shiny lustre. Very white linen is achieved through extensive bleaching. Linen as a fabric is durable and strong, being even stronger when wet. Because linen is a natural fiber made from flax, it is easy to care for, resists dirt and stains, does not pill and can be cleaned by many methods. When washing we recommend that tumble drying is limited, linen is far easier to snap out wrinkles and iron when it is damp. On the other hand, many of our linen items are designed with the wrinkling nature of the fabric as part of the "charm" of the item.

Natural Colors of Linen

Soft Washed Pillows, Super Cozy

On some of our linen products you may notice small "slubs" or knots in the weave. These are natural imperfections that are created during the weaving process and add to the nature of the fabric. We love linen at Pas Par Tou, our Signature Collection has become an integral part of the Pas Par Tou aesthetic. Each season we strive to introduce new items to our linen collection. Gosia travels to Poland to work with the factory owner, they brainstorm to create new products and introduce beautiful new items to the line. This past season, we introduced a Tunic Apron, created from a Vintage Style with modern attributes. The Apron has met with great success, is available in many colors and actually looks great on. Stock does not last long, drop on in to our shop and see for yourself!

Cheers

The Secret Behind Polish Pottery

One of the major influences at 
Pas Par Tou is the extensive line of Polish Pottery that we carry.

Many of our Customers come to our shop solely for our Unique Collection of Pottery and the New Patterns that we introduce.

While other customers have many questions as to the process by which the pottery is created, the patterns, and how to set a table using the pieces that Pas Par Tou showcases.

Through several articles we will walk you through the process, perhaps enticing you to explore the mastery and artisan craftsmanship behind this beautiful stoneware.

Ever wonder about the origins of this beautiful pottery? The perfect high shine glaze, the intricate patterns, the timeless elegance and craftsmanship that only Polish Pottery offers, we are going to go into a little bit of detail as to the process behind the Artistry of Polish Pottery and the levels of perfection one must attain to be truly "Unique"

Polish pottery is created from bisque colored clay that is found only in the 
Boleslawiec region of Poland. 
The clay is rougher in texture than a clay used for porcelain and fires at high temperatures to create true stoneware. 

 

                                                                                                                                         

Liquid clay is poured into molds, allowed to dry and then removed from the mold. 
A clay worker then takes a piece and cuts away any excess clay. 
The clay is smoothed and sponged to remove imperfections, ensuring that the finished pieces sit flush with the tabletop and have no blemishes.

The pottery is allowed to dry over-night in drying rooms. 
The pottery is then fired in a large kiln at 850 degrees where it hardens to stone and the clay becomes a soft white bisque 
The pieces are now reading for hand painting, sponging and decorating.

First fired pieces are racked and prepared for painting.

The plain bisque white pieces are hand painted and glazed with color. The artisans that work on the pottery are classically trained in the art. Highly detailed, precise designs are placed on each piece of pottery. The process is done by placing each piece on a wheel that slowly rotates. The design is stamped and hand painted in a circular motion to insure uniformity. Every piece created will be just slightly different due to the nature of the process. Polish Artisans are highly skilled at their craft, sometimes taking hours to complete a large piece with the complex patterns.They strive for perfection, avoiding smudging and pattern imperfections

Sponge are created by each artisan to create the designs on pottery pieces

Colors are laid out for easy access while painting and stamping

Once the pattern is completed, the pottery pieces are hand-dipped in clear glaze. 

The pottery is then fired at a higher temperature of 1250 degrees. 

Once removed from the kiln, the pieces have the beautiful, vibrant colors that Polish Pottery is known for. Each piece goes through a quality check, pieces with imperfections will be returned to the process and corrected. This is how that superior "high shine" glaze is produced that sets Polish Pottery apart from other types of Stoneware.

PasParTou's Top 5 Gifts for Men

It is that time of year again, when everyone rushes to buy gifts for the holidays yet most people have no clue what to buy.  We have compiled a quick list of five great gifts for the men of the house!

Rosemary Candles from Izola NYC.
These are beautiful and have a wonderfully natural smell.

Brooklyn Mugs.
These are designed by PasParTou with a very simple grey and white design.

Set of three soaps, Par Avion.
Unscented French milled soaps in a beautiful box 

Set of 13 Whiskey Rocks from SPARQ Home

Cedar Wood Soap from Kala Style.
Made locally in USA.

We hope that this list will aid you in your last minute shopping!

Halloween in Brooklyn, NY

Most people who aren't from Brooklyn or who have just moved to Brooklyn will ask you where the best places for Trick or Treating are.  Having lived in Brooklyn for my whole life, I feel pretty confident that I at least can recommend some of the best ones.  So on that note; here are my top five blocks for Trick or Treating in Brooklyn starting with #5.

5) The Park Slope Parade.  Since this year Halloween falls on a Friday expect this parade to be bigger than most years.  The parade begins at 6:30pm at 14th street and 7th avenue.  If you are going to walk in the parade, it is suggested to arrive at 5:30pm.

4) The Cobble Hill Halloween Parade.  Same situation as The Park Slope Parade since Halloween falls on a Friday this year!  The parade will begin at 4pm at the Cobble Hill Park and is one of the city's largest kids parades!

3) Court and Smith Streets.  These streets (along with the sides streets connecting them) are filled with stores, like ours, that hand out candy beginning around 3pm.  There is always lots of fun and laughter throughout the streets starting at Atlantic Avenue.  Residents on the sides streets connecting Smith and Court like to sit out on their stoops with decorations and candy waiting for Trick or Treaters.

2) Grace Court Alley off of Hicks Street between Remsen and Joralemon.  One of the epicenters for kids on Halloween in Brooklyn Heights.  When venturing down this street you will see almost every house decorated and almost every resident out on their stoop handing out candy to eager dressed up children enjoying this holiday.

1) Finally as the number 1 place to go trick or treating (in my book) is Garden Place off of Joralemon Street between Hicks and Henry.  This block is closed for the entirety of Halloween and is by far the most decorated block in Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill that I have ever seen!  Every body decorates their house and tries to outdo their neighbor!  Candy keeps flowing the whole night as residents sit out on their stoops and hand out candy to eager children!

That is it for my suggestions of the best trick or treating places in Brooklyn.  Hope that everyone has a great time on Halloween and enjoys the weekend!

PasParTou at the Dumbo Arts Festival 2014

Last weekend, PasParTou was invited to participate in the Little Poland Gallery at the Dumbo Arts Festival.  The gallery was run by the Polish Consulate in New York in order to showcase items either made in Poland or by Polish designers and artists.  We graciously accepted the consulate's invitation and set up a table for the two day show located at 160 Water Street in the heart of DUMBO.

Owner Gosia Rojek showing our collection of items to Ewa Junczyk-Ziomecka, Polish Consul General

We decided to bring with us the works of many different Polish artists and designers.  We exhibited the beautiful jewelry of designers Marcin Zaremski and Marcin Gronkowski.  We also displayed a collection of Polish pottery otherwise known as Boleslawiec.  Visitors who came by our booth loved the small bowls and spoons as well as our collection of tea bag holders.

Exhibition of Polish Pottery

In our store, we feature a beautiful line of Polish whimsical kitchen textiles with various patterns on them.  We brought those down to DUMBO as well with us and they were a hit just as they are in our store in Cobble Hill.

Selection of whimsical kitchen linens

Finally we brought a beautiful collection of handmade and artist signed glass pieces from Velt Gallery.  These along with our personally designed Brooklyn t-shirts finished out our display nicely.

PasParTou designed Brooklyn t-shirts

Overall, we had a sucessful first experience at the Dumbo Arts Festival.  Not only did we get to exhibit and display our beautiful Polish made and inspired items, but we also got to catch up with a good friend of ours, the Polish Consul General.

Owner Gosia Rojek with Polish Consul General Ewa Junczyk-Ziomecka

All participants of Little Poland Gallery with Polish Consul General Ewa Junczyk-Ziomecka

Polish Jewelry Designer Marcin Zaremski

Collection of Marcin Zaremski Bracelets

Jewelry has been accompanying renowned Polish jewelry designer Marcin Zaremski for as long as he can remember.  While looking for his own independent way in life and art, he found .... silver.

Silver Bracelet

Marcin studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw from 1969 to 1974 in the faculty of design. At the same time he was working at his parents art studio gaining valuable knowledge of skills needed to be a jeweler.  In 1974, after graduating from his studies he decided against becoming an interior designer and instead decided to become a jewelry designer, where his only obstacle was to cope with family tradition.  His parents, Jadwiga and Jerzy Zaremski, were the forerunners and the creators of Polish modern jewelry art.  Marcin wanted to create his own style and detach himself from his parents' successes and in turn created the Polish haute couture in the jewelry sector.

Gold Plated Silver Bracelet

Marcin Zaremski is genuinely interested in the wearers of contemporary jewelry, especially women. He strives to understand their willingness to be conspicuous, to manifest their personalities externally, to reveal their peculiar preferences and passions.  The role he has allotted his jewelry is quite clear: he wants his jewelry pieces to harmonize with, or stand in contrast to clothing; he wants them to transform in accordance with fashions and the current artistic research.  These two factors combined give his jewelry its voguish quality.  From the multitude of trends prevailing in art and fashion, Marcin chooses those that are the most in keeping with his personal predilections. 

  

  Gold Plated Silver and Silver Necklace

Gold Plated Silver Earrings

Marcin Zaremski has taken part in over 100 art exhibitions (collective and individual) in Poland and abroad.  From the beginning of the times of democracy (1989), he has been managing his workshop in which he creates his jewelry projects and designs.  Marcin has been running his author jewelry gallery-shop in Warsaw since 1992.

We've curated a great collection of Marcin Zaremski's work and will be getting more in time for the holidays, so come by our store on Court Street and let us tell you a little bit more about Marcin and show you his beautiful pieces.

 

Ooh La La Petite Boutique Candles

Vintage teacup candle

A few months ago, we were approached by Ooh La La Petite Boutique about carrying their items in our store.  We were drawn to them as they were something unique that we had never seen before.  Ooh La La is the brain child of Eni and Greg, a couple where Eni makes candles and Greg spends his time photographing them.  Greg also takes wonderful Polaroid pictures of various places and transfers them to archival watercolor paper for beautiful prints.  

Vintage Creamer Candle

Eni and Greg collect vintage teacups, creamers, and other containers from all over the world and hand pour their candles in these.  They use soy wax that is made from 100% soybeans and is 100% natural.  These items make great decorations after the candles are done or Eni is willing to refill them for a small fee.

Vintage Gravy Boat with Vintage Spoon

The cups that Eni and Greg collect are all unique and it is very rare that you will find two of them same cup. They have a range of sixteen scents that go from very fruity to minty/fresh. 

Display of vintage teacup candles and prints in antique suitcase

When Eni and Greg brought their candles to our store, they presented them in a beautiful antique suitcase. The candles were situated on top of vintage camera cases and Greg had thrown some of his Polaroid prints of Paris in to accent the candles.  They look absolutely great and complement the rest of our store nicely.

Eiffel Tower Print

Finally, Greg and Eni also make candles in old mason and jelly jars.  They hand paint these mason jars and then hand pour one of their sixteen scents of candles into them for a wonderful gift or decorative piece.  

Mason Jar Candle

Stop by our store in Brooklyn to hear a little more about Eni and Greg and their adventures making candles, taking pictures, and travelling around the world.