Meet the Maker

Milan Pekař

Ceramist & Artisan

Back to the list

Vases you have never seen before

In the world of ceramics, Milan Pekař is a well-established name. Let us explain why: 

In 2006 he graduated from UMPRUM Prague (where he now teaches himself) and a few years later, he started his own studio. He could have experimented with existing techniques, but he wanted to create something new, something no one had ever seen before. So he began researching and testing, mixing and remixing, until – finally – after a series of trials and errors, he developed a new type of glazing. He has been using this technique to create unique vases and other beautiful objects ever since.

What makes Crystal Glazes, as he likes to call them, so special, is that their top layer is disrupted by all kinds of chemicals. The outcome of this process is the most charming patterns imaginable. It is no wonder Milan’s creations are in the catalogues of the world’s most famous shops and galleries – and also in our own! 

EXHIBITIONS:

2018 Milan Design Week Rossana Orlandi gallery
2018 International bienale Kecskemét
2018 Grassi Messe Leipzig
2018 European Ceramic Contex
2019 Milan Design Week Rossana Orlandi gallery
COMPETITIONS:

Nominated and won runner-up prize at the Czech Grand Design 2006
Nominated as Designer of the Year, Czech Grand Design 2014
Won Public’s Award Czech Grand Design 2014
Milan Pekař life's big questions Read more
Milan Pekař questions image 1 Milan Pekař questions image 2

Big life questions

WHAT WOULD THE TITLE OF YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY BE?

Clay.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON?

So I don't know its a Sunday afternoon.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE PERSON TO SHOW YOU THEIR ARTISTIC SKILLS (in any art music, painting, glass, pottery, or architectural…)WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

I would like to know the person who first fired ceramic clay and what led him to do so.

WHAT OR WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU RECENTLY AND WHY?

A stargazing telescope, it helped me a lot in thinking about matter and space.

WHAT MUSIC OR BOOKS ARE YOU LISTENING TO/ READING THESE DAYS? WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIANS/WRITERS?

I am currently reading a book by Glenn Adamson , Fewer, Better Things. It's a book about things and our relationship to them. Lately, he is also my favorite author. Adamson's books and articles deal with craft and the things that surround and shape us. 

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR ART ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR EMOTIONS THAT COME BACK TO YOUR MIND?

If I'm designing or working in a workshop it's usually calm.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES?

In Prague my favourite place is the old botanical garden in Albertov. 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION AND WHY?

Korea and Japan, they cook well there and make great pottery.