Krystyna Steczkowska has been immersed in music for as long as she can remember—it’s the world she grew up in. “It was something natural for me. Nobody forced me into it—I grew up surrounded by sounds and melodies,” she recalls. Her passion and dedication eventually led her to the Academy of Music, where she honed her skills. Over time, the stage became her second home. A pivotal moment in her career was becoming the concertmaster for an orchestra specialising in film scores. This role opened the door to extraordinary opportunities. “We performed iconic works like Schindler’s List by John Williams.
A standout memory for me was a concert in Gliwice, filled with emotions that still resonate with me,” she shares. Krystyna has never confined herself to one genre. Her repertoire spans everything from classical compositions to Jewish music performed in the theatre. “Big projects like Alkimja, where I performed alongside my sister, Justyna Steczkowska, highlighted the strength of our family bond.” Other memorable experiences included a six-month tour with Gaelforce Dance, immersing herself in Irish music. “It was an incredible journey, full of energy and new inspirations. Working with such diverse music taught me flexibility and opened new doors.” Krystyna thrives on variety and collaboration with other artists. “I love my work because it allows me to play with different groups and styles. I’ve worked in the Jewish Theater, musical productions, and recorded film music.”
Despite her accomplishments, she remains grounded and keeps music at the heart of everything she does. “I never aspired to be a frontwoman or a star. I love playing in an orchestra, and while I can perform as a soloist, I feel perfectly at ease singing in the background. That’s where I find balance.” After years of intense concert life, she needed to escape the chaos. “Clay and ceramics came into my life naturally. I needed something to help me unwind. The studio became where time stopped—it’s just me and my thoughts.” She started small, creating mugs and bowls, each one unique. “Sometimes, I’d add fragments of my poetry to them. To my surprise, people loved them. The mugs sold like hotcakes!” But it was a sculpture that captured her heart. Her first piece was deeply personal. “I made it for my mom—a unique angel with a helmet and attached wings. My mom collected angels, so I knew it would mean something special to her. Now, after her passing, she travels with me to exhibitions. I’m deeply connected to it.” One of her most significant artistic projects is the Zodiac Signs series, an idea that came to her unexpectedly. “I had a vivid dream about Taurus, my zodiac sign. It was so striking that I had to create something from it. That’s how the series of twelve heads inspired by the zodiac signs began.”
The sculptures are nearly life-sized, but their eyes are deliberately covered. “I didn’t want to personalise them. They’re universal, neutral. You can’t tell if they’re male or female. On their bases, I stamped the names of stones and planets associated with each sign.” The project was demanding but immensely fulfilling. “Some ideas came easily; others took time. But I was completely engrossed, spending every free moment in the studio.” Krystyna rarely experiences creative block. “If something doesn’t work out, I switch tasks. I pick up my violin, go for a walk, or write poetry. I have ways of clearing my head, and the ideas come rushing back.” Her poetic side has also found expression. With help from her daughter, Antonina, she published a book of poems. “It was a joint project—Antonina edited it and took care of the visual aspects. I’m very proud of it.”
Looking ahead, Krystyna isn’t afraid to embrace the future. “I know the day will come when I leave the stage. But that won’t be the end of my creativity—it will be a new beginning. Clay and sculpture still hold many secrets that I need to uncover. When the time comes, I’ll dedicate myself fully to that.” Today, she lives at the intersection of music and ceramics. One gives her the thrill of the stage; the other provides peace and harmony. “It’s a privilege to combine both passions. I don’t have to do anything but can do everything.” Krystyna Steczkowska is a shining example of an artist unafraid of new challenges. Her musical and ceramic work proves that art has many faces. Her journey reflects a truth: genuine passion doesn’t need flash or grandiose words. With professionalism and humility, she creates for the sake of art, not personal glory.
Written by Kamila Krzyzaniak
All images Courtesy of Krystyna Steczkowska
www.behance.net/krystynsteczko
