Like nebulae in a distant galaxy: Veronika Švábeniková interweaves the earthly with the otherworldly in her works. To create her unusual patterns, she uses her own colours and glazes – in an attempt to avoid industrially produced ones. Her patterns are transferred by dipping the vases in water covered in colour. Švábeniková’s hands mould the clay, but the fire determines the final shape.
© Courtesy of the artist
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
I live in Prague, specifically in “Palmovka”, where I also have my studio. It’s a unique part of Prague that was avoided until recently, especially in the evenings. Right now, this place is coming alive. Young people and businesses are moving here, and interesting places and establishments are emerging. Palmovka has its charm, to which I’ve succumbed.
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
Definitely into nature, it doesn’t matter where, I just need to walk from home to the river and stroll there. Observing the surroundings and calmly contemplating.
© Prag Tourismus
Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?
In Prague, it’s clearly insufficient urban development. There’s a lack of modern architecture tastefully integrated into the historical fabric, as we see in other European cities. In this regard, Gdańsk captivated me. The construction legislation is so complex and lengthy here that the projects that eventually get built don’t convey a contemporary impression, although interesting buildings are certainly emerging here as well.
In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years – and what has not?
It’s a tough question, definitely not one with a straightforward answer. What I notice the most is how in the Czech Republic, they’ve finally started addressing visual pollution. Advertisements along roads have disappeared, and historic centers no longer look like markets. What has worsened? Honestly, I don’t know. I’m a positive-minded person living somewhat in my bubble,
where things only seem to be getting better.
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
So, in this aspect, Prague is great in my opinion. We have a number of places where you can buy items from local designers or tasteful souvenirs. And the positive thing is that such places are still emerging in the regions as well. In Prague, for example, there’s Artiseme or Glassimo. In Olomouc, there’s the wonderful studio Mimokolektiv, and in Znojmo, there’s the space GaP
© Glassimo
Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?
I’m following up on the previous question because when traveling, I enjoy visiting designer shops, and it seems to me that Prague is truly exceptional in their quantity and quality.
Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?
My favorite restaurant is Hájenka Kersko in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It is famous from the Czech movie “Slavnosti sneženek” directed by Jiří Menzel, which was based on the book of the same name by Bohumil Hrabal. Hájenka Kersko served as an important backdrop for some scenes in the movie. Today, you can enjoy dishes like venison with cabbage or dumplings there, just like in the movie
© Hájenka Kersko
Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?
The only thing that comes to mind are “Olomoucké tvarůžky”. They are made from sour curd, which is pressed into small cylinders and then salted and fermented. This process gives them their distinctive strong smell and sharp taste. They originate from a village near where I grew up and I associate them with my childhood.
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?
In this, I probably won’t be too original, as it’s definitely maps and social networks.
Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
In this, I’m probably quite conservative; I watch Czech television, which is a public broadcasting station that also has programs focusing on culture. As for print media, it’s the Dolcevita magazine.
Imagine you could be mayor for a year – what would you change?
Well… I don’t know…
© Uoaei1, Praha Prašná brána 01, CC BY-SA 4.0
One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constrains – which one would you choose?
I don’t have a dream place, maybe mountains?
© Courtesy of the artist
