Jirí Konopác's passion for ceramics
Inspired by the mighty rocky landscapes in Bohemia, Jirí Konopác decided that making bonsai pots was the best
choice for life.
How did it all start?
I have been surrounded by bonsai since my childhood, because I have lived in an area where there are a lot of rocks and a forest called Bohemian Paradise; trees grow there like bonsai. (Editor: a protected landscape area and a region in Bohemia in the Czech Republic). I started collecting trees when I was a little boy and later, when I was thinking about the future and what l would do for a living, one idea was to try creating bonsai pots.
I offered my first attempts to my bonsai friends. I began to enjoy working with clay. I bought my own kiln and I was approached by a nearby bonsai centre. When I first worked at the centre, there were not many pots on the market, so there was quite a lot of interest in mine. Over time I grew better and my hobby became my full-time job.
How did you acquire the skills?
I am self-taught. I don’t know if this was an advantage, but it made me come up with my own techniques. The most important thing I’ve learned is patience. It was much needed especially in the beginning.
Why ceramics?
It is a natural material in which every artist can imprint their own handwriting, ceramics combined my hobby with making a living.
Your thoughts on bonsai ceramics?
I try to keep my pots simple and pure since they are inspired by nature. The natural tones and shapes are a source of inspiration, too.
Do you make the glazes yourself ?
I mostly use ready-made glazes. I mix them together and apply layers, then unique colours are created and each pot is an original.
Do you use gas or electricity or wood-fired kilns?
I use an electric kiln, but by using my techniques I try to achieve the effects of a wood kiln.
I am self-taught but I don't know if this was an advantage
Jirí Konopác
What do think of the Japanese pottery?
The Japanese masters are probably the greatest inspiration for me. They pass on their art from generation to generation and thus they are ahead of us. I must say, however, that European ceramists are not far behind.
Do you have a wish to go and learn in Japan?
Going to Japan and learning from Japanese masters is probably every potter’s dream. I haven’t yet been lucky enough to do so. But I admire their work and try to draw from it.
Do you think hand made pots are appreciated and valued?
I think that bonsaists can appreciate the hand work, since they know that a good tree needs a charismatic pot, but with my 22 years of experience, I can tell they will usually choose more affordable pots.
Do you have any other interests or hobbies?
I like different kinds of sport, in summer I ride a bike and play football, in the winter I snowboard and cross-country ski. All year long I can enjoy walks in nature with my wife and my daughters and with our tireless dog, Tokyo.
What do you like about bonsai and making pots?
It’s a continuing living art. You can always learn something new and this motivates me to improve constantly.
Moulds, slip casts or hand-shaped, what do you prefer?
I use all these techniques, but mostly I apply casting techniques for commercial pots. Those that are made on commission are created completely by hand, like those shown here.
What were the most difficult pots you ever made?
The most difficult were probably the hand modelled pots with the image of a dragon.
Jirí Konopác (45)
- Born in: Turnov, Czech Republic
- Partner: Michaela Konopácová
- Children: Emma, Sofie
- Education: High School, Grammar School
- Profession: Bonsai potter.
- Into bonsai since: 2003
