Manifesto on getting your creativity flowing by Lucie Claudia Podrabska

Our greatest teachers are our children. They perceive the world without preconceived ideas or limiting beliefs, they simply see what is presented in front of them for what it truly is. They act out of instinct, freely move through emotions from one to another and value play above everything else. The muse for my art and for my existence is my son and the children I am lucky enough to share my life with.

My work as a sculptor and designer sprouted from a place of wanting and yearning to connect to the little Lucie version of myself many years ago or as you might also call it the inner child. Being playful, being messy and genuinely having fun. 

I have put together twelve little things that help me disconnect from the stresses of life and reconnect to myself, to be more playful and freer of care even for a minute.

It is with joy that I am sharing them with you!

Love,

Lucie 

 

ABOUT MY WORK: 

SCULPTURES

My collection of playful papier mache sculptures and mobiles are made entirely from materials otherwise discarded and disposed of in a landfill or incinerated.

Each sculpture is an ode to the possibilities that arise when one’s artistic vision merges with respect for our ecosystem.

My art serves as a reminder of the potential held within the waste, now reborn as art that tells a compelling story of consumerism and renewal, underlining the importance of responsible waste management and highlighting the real meaning of object permanence and nurturing a greener, more compassionate world.

Crafting a new narrative for waste:

At the core of my art lies a deeply rooted commitment to waste management, with 98% of my materials sourced from the streets or the bin. The artworks reveal three powerful narratives that flow as an undercurrent, reflecting my mission:

One | Confronting our consumption and waste crisis:

I strive to bring awareness to the pressing issue of waste generation and its impact on the environment. With a staggering 85% of our trash ending up in landfills and significant challenges in recycling complex plastics and materials, my art prompts viewers to consider their role in the waste crisis and the urgent need for change.

Two | Transforming trash into objects of desire: I repurpose trash into objects of desire and affection. My sculptures embody a striking juxtaposition, reminding viewers of the sculpture’s origin as trash and the transformation it undergoes to become an object that occupies space, encouraging a shift in perspective on the value of recycled materials.

Three | Reconnecting with your inner child: My large and playful sculptures serve as portals to the viewer’s younger self. Inviting audiences to rekindle the joy of childhood in today’s complex world, my art becomes a conduit for nourishing the playful spirit within, fostering a deeper connection to both art and the environment.

 

GLASSWARE

My glassware collection is the labor-intensive work of a father-son glassblowing studio also known as a glasshouse.

Made in a Bavarian Forest in my home country, the Czech Republic.

I designed my crystal flowers and goblets that were then brought to life by Peter; mouth-blown and hand-made utilizing scraps of glass using time-honored, artisanal techniques that have been around since the 1400s.

Each piece is unique as it is made by hand. Each one is fragile and different (just like us).