Days of Wonder with with Tereza Příhodová

Tereza is composed yet animated during our conversation in her studio. A feeling of deep strength with a hint of nostalgia fills the space as she talks about her work, moving seamlessly in the delicate Penelope dress amongst heavy pieces of marble and wood. She is pure beauty in strength.

As we spent the afternoon in her studio, it is immediately apparent her desire is to create balance through opposites.  “I am full of opposites, sometimes I like to wear dresses from Port of Stars - fragile and feminine. Sometimes I wear old jeans and a rock style top with holes, and it’s also me.”

“Balance is something that everybody is trying to find and then keep forever. But that’s not possible. We are always balancing - finding and losing and finding and losing. But there is one way to preserve the balance. In fragile moments this “balance” suddenly appears as a shimmering feeling and, if we are prepared, we can imprint this feeling into some artwork or cake or song or whatever. And that’s the magic of human creativity.”

The contrast between rough and soft textures in every corner is mesmerising. In the artist’s world, the imagination is key, a balance of play and intention, control and surrender to create art that embodies the whole spectrum of human emotions. Its beauty is within the approach towards the pieces. In this context, Tereza can imagine a world beyond the material and let her pieces speak of her imagination.

“Wood, in the beginning, I am just touching it, absorbing the smell, following its movement, and letting it go during the process. I love when my pieces look a little bit unfinished at the end.”

My grandfather’s hand: “When he died, I was working on my exhibition. I remember his hands - always working or handling something. I felt that I could sculpt his character as a hand with an angel wing. Sometimes we think we will remember the faces of those who pass away, but more we remember their touches or their scent.” 

My grandfather’s hand

Text and Photos: Yasmin K Hejduk
Featuring: Penelope dress