KATERINA SWALENS HEJDOVA
With
the sounds of clinking keys during the Velvet Revolution of 1989 in
Czechoslovakia, a future versatile artist was born.
Creative genes from her father and grandfather proved to be in her bones. Consequently, the clear choice was the School of Ceramics in Bechyne, then the
Faculty of Multimedia Communications - classic animated works at Tomas
Bata University in Zlín, both schools in the Czech Republic. She
co-founded regional television in Melnik, and briefly worked as an
editor and presenter
on TV Nova.
Among
her craft and artistic successes, we would certainly include several
unique, large bethlehems for towns and villages nearby Mount Říp in the
Czech Republic. In particular, the Podřípský bethlehem where she and her
colleagues built extensive craft workshops. It is certainly worth
mentioning the blueprint, which is registered as an intangible heritage
under UNESCO. Katerina also enjoys creating props and scenography for
film, cultural and commercial purposes. She has her own portable art
workshop for schools and associations.
Katerina lives in Belgium since 2020
where she worked as an interior designer for Chocolate Bruges. Together
with her partner Dusan Swalens, they founded Gallery 26, where they
organised exhibitions and fashion shows of Katerina's authorial work.
She
loves folklore and natural motifs, which is often reflected in her
sculptures, paintings and bodypainting. She is unusually active, her
skill is also manifested in stylisation, art make-up, hair design, model
training, renovation and upholstery of ancient furniture. She
imaginatively creates and designs interiors and exteriors. Together
with Dusan, they set up an audio-visual studio and want to pay more
attention to their heart's business - filming.
SAMPLE PROJECTS:
Historical watchtower in Roudnice nad Labem - muzeum for tourists
Podřípský bethlehem - an impressive moving exhibition, performance of 230 figures made of corn husks.
"I love cheerful people, the sun, children and I like to create in a good mood. I was very influenced by both schools.
As for ceramics, especially decorating ceramics and painting on porcelain. Thanks to that, I developed the creation of decorations. The school of animation was a great benefit for me in breathing life into decorations and scenery. However, my father brought me to the very beginning. I gained a lot of experience from him and even nowadays we still consult and help each other."