Podhale region, and, of course, intricate paper cuts.
A 96-year-old sculptor named Józef, who lives in a small village in an eastern Poland, has become a Folka celebrity. His wooden animals are most loved. Józef started making animals after his retirement. They represent the many animals he sees around his house. Storks, ducks, cats, horses, and squirrels all welcome me when I visit him. Józef is so full of life, laughter, and energy. It’s just so exciting to visit him and bring back some of his animals. All quickly find new homes!
Christmas is my favourite time at Folka. Each year, my plan is to create a Christmas Wonderland. I bring back to life forgotten traditional decorations - paper star and straw chains by Lucyna, paper chandeliers by her husband Edward, or lovely paper ballerinas by Alicja. In the past, families used to sit together
to make decorations for a Christmas tree. Nowadays, we don’t celebrate Christmas in such a way. I would like to remind us of those times.
Not Just About Polish Craft
I should mention Folka is not only about Polish craft. I also collaborate with local artists in the production of goods in my shop.
An exciting collaboration I would like to mention is a Folka scarf, created in collaboration with the English textile artist Caitlin Hinshelwood. Inspired by Polish folk art, she drew and then screen printed on hand dyed silk her favourite various forgotten traditions and objects. The scarf is not only a reminiscence of a popular scarf worn by Polish women, but, hanging on the wall, it also becomes a unique piece of art that acts as a loose map of regional traditions: the heart shaped motif popular in Podhale is situated in the south, a bird from a pottery workshop is situated in the east, a rooster paper cut from
Łowicz is situated in the centre, a dancing couple from a rug in Podlasie is situated in the north, and a straw harvesting crown is situated in the west.
I am so excited to be launching two more, very exciting collaborations this year: a pająki inspired stationery collection with London-based illustrator Love From Lexi and hand embroidered cushions inspired by Polish paper cuts with Plinth Home studio based in Brighton.
It’s very interesting to see Polish traditions through the eyes of British designers. And it makes me happy to see so many other designers are inspired by Polish folklore.
I feel like Folka is the place for which I have always been looking. Turning 40 last year, I’ve been thinking more about my time in London, the many dreams I’ve had, the choices I have made, and the plans I have for the future. Since I came to London some 15 years ago, I’ve been searching for my creative path. I’ve worked at the museum, various cafes, and restaurants. I’ve run a “Deconstruction Project” organisation with my friends to promote Polish art and music, I’ve made jewelry as “bobbin & bow”. And then, I have started making pajaki.
I now realize I always had this strong need to share my Polish heritage. Folka, for me, is about people and their stories. I feel happy that I can support unique artists, as very often they feel forgotten. When I visit them, they open doors not only to their houses but also to their memories and family histories. It causes me to feel nostalgic about the past. I know our lifestyles have changed over time and some things cannot be recreated. However, I will keep trying to revive traditional crafts, remembering forgotten traditions so to bring different generations together. It’s been a joyful and inspiring journey, and I am looking forward to experiencing many more years. Hopefully, you will join me.
Folka is located at: 84 Stoke Newington Church St, London N16 0AP
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On the web at: https://www.folka.co/