Wiesław Staśkiewicz

The most optimistic sculptor of the Kurpie region The sculptures by Wiesław Staśkiewicz are exceptional – it is hard to find similar ones in the entire Masovia region. The log sculptures of birds that he creates are made of wood he finds in the forest. He says that when he finds a log or a branch in the forest, he instantly knows what he will sculpt and what bird it will be. This way, he can use every single found form, creating new sculptures in his messy – in the traditional Kurpie way – yard. Sometimes sculpting his wooden masterpieces absorbs him so much that it is very hard to get him out of this state. However, sculpting is not the only form of art Wiesław engages in.

He is a member of one of the most famous and most artistically talented Kurpian family. Wood, as a material for processing, was always present in his life, since his father was a carpenter. Wiesław has an optimistic attitude, just like his mother – Stanisława Staśkiewicz of Strzałki – a valued artist. He speaks the Kurpian dialect, is witty, tells traditional Kurpian jokes and sings. He was even once approached with a proposal to co-create a cabaret. He is the kind of person people simply want to listen to. He tells the stories, laughs and jokes, and creates a friendly atmosphere. Thus, it isn’t strange that his work goes smoothly, easily and pleasantly.

The artist doesn’t like to waste wood and, as he says, he could „sculpt the whole world”. Storks are his favourite birds to sculpt, because they remind him of the spring, his favourite season. However, his first creations were the “byśki” cookies he used to make. Apart from them, he bakes the so-called “new year in a wooden bowl” (latka) pieces, cut-outs (stars and lilies), and decorates Easter eggs using wax. His wife Teresa also decorates Easter eggs and makes rolled-paper bouquets inspired by natural flowers.

Mr Staśkiewicz participates in competitions such as the “Artistic Handicraft of Kurpian Villages” (Artystyczne Rękodzieło Wsi Kurpiowskiej), as well as the Green Forest and White Forest Kurpian Folk Art Reviews, in which he often ranks highly. He cooperates with the Museum of Kurpian Culture in Ostrołęka, and with Zagroda Kurpiowska in Kadzidło, he also conducts numerous workshops on ceremonial visual arts for children and youth, organised by those units. His works can be seen on numerous exhibitions and fairs in the Kurpie region.

Mr Staśkiewicz received multiple distinctions for his work, including the PRO MASOVIA Medal, awarded by the marshal of the voivodeship, Ostrołęka Staroste Award and a honorary diploma awarded on the 60th and 65th anniversary of Cepelia.