Crafted with Heart: Marie Vaněk of EN TEN TY KY dva špalíky

What does creativity look like when we stop taking it too seriously?
In Atelier Stories, Abigail Nováková invites designers, artists and creative souls to share a glimpse into their world — people who live and breathe what they do, with hands full of ideas and eyes full of calm. Each conversation follows the same set of playful questions — about colours, rituals, chaos, light, and quiet — and together they form a mosaic of creative minds who find beauty in everyday moments, This online series was created with ease and a touch of curiosity — like a friendly chat you read over morning coffee.

Marie Vaněk: EN TEN TY KY dva špalíky

Marie Vaněk is the kind of person who smells of wood, clay, and freshly brewed coffee on a cottage stove.
The founder of EN TEN TY KY dva špalíky, she grew up in the Beskydy mountains surrounded by meadows, apple trees, and a good dose of countryside humour.
For her, craft has a soul — hands deep in clay, the scent of wood, the breath of the forest, the warmth of a stove — all of it finds its way into her work.
She combines ceramics with woodworking, upcycling, and organic shapes that carry the maker’s touch and a quiet story of their own.
Each of her pieces is a bit of a story, a bit of poetry, and a bit of chaos that eventually settles into peace.

Her creations aren’t about perfection but about life itself — about cracks that are beautiful, about coffee sipped from a cup that feels alive, about returning to traditions and the quiet joy of making. In this conversation, she talks about freedom, the stillness of the forest, and how sometimes, “not pushing the water” is the only way to find yourself again.

When was the last time something moved you so deeply that you knew — this needs to become part of your work?

Most recently, it was during the pre-election period. Out of that tension came the “Swallow” ring — as a symbol of freedom and a gentle reminder, worn on the finger, of how precious that freedom really is.

Which colour or texture would capture your current mood — and why?

Definitely brown. Like the trunk of a tree, or leaves slowly turning with the season, or all those sweaters I own in that shade. Texture has always fascinated me — especially in wood. A piece of a tree grows for decades, and then you can turn it into something magical that will bring joy to you and to the next generation. The years within that trunk — how could that not be fascinating?

What helps you reconnect with yourself when you lose your creative flow?

It’s happened to me a few times. It always comes as a warning sign — a moment to stop, slow down to almost “slow motion,” and let go of pressure. Just let it flow again. As they say, don’t push the water — it flows on its own. I need to get away from city noise, be alone or with my closest ones, spend time in nature, at the cottage, in the Beskydy mountains. A warm tea with honey and thick socks are a must. And forest walks — those are, scientifically, the most healing of all.

What fascinates you right now — in life, light, people, or small details?

I’ve always tried to look for beauty in everything — even in a rotten apple or an annoying person (it even rhymes, doesn’t it?). So I guess I’ll never stop being fascinated. Also, how light can change mood, throw reflections, or highlight the beautiful imperfections of everything around us. I take after my grandma a little — she was a true sunshine soul. Orchards and morning dew still feel like a soft touch on my soul.

Do you have a place you return to when you need to feel that creative spark again?

Definitely. There are a few. My partner’s family cottage — it’s an oasis where inspiration just flows naturally. Or my second home in the Beskydy. That’s where my mum and I make coffee, put on our rubber boots, slice apples from the garden and make jam — and you wouldn’t believe how many ideas come to me then.

What does your creative chaos look like — and how do you keep balance within it?

I wish I knew! Who wouldn’t want someone to tidy up their creative mess? When I’m flooded with ideas, I try to write them down so they don’t evaporate from my head. Writing them by hand — not digitally — that’s important too.

If you could exhibit only one piece that speaks for everything you do, which one would it be?

Probably my beechwood tray — supported by three wooden spheres turned in the Beskydy. There’s power hidden in it. Those three spheres represent my mum, my sister, and me (not that we look like spheres!), three musketeers holding up the foundation. On that tray, we serve our seasonal treats — grandma’s recipes, baked and cooked with love whenever the whole family gathers.

What’s your favourite ritual that has nothing to do with work?

My morning coffee — I can barely wait for it each day. I make it beautiful, every morning in a different cup, depending on my mood. Also cooking dinner with my partner, with a glass of good red wine and music. And then again — simply coffee, coffee, coffee!

What does it mean to you to be an artist in 2025?

Being an artist today is hard, uncertain, and complicated. Finding balance between earning a living and keeping joy in what you do — that’s not easy. But it teaches patience, discipline, and helps you re-evaluate your priorities. And when something finally works out, all the “hard” parts pay off twice over.

What does your ideal Sunday without work look like?

An ideal Sunday means being with my partner Peťa, our family, and our dog Antonína. A slow breakfast, a walk, good coffee, and then lounging around watching “Toulavá kamera” or “Herbář.”

Which film, book, or song is accompanying you these days?

The song “You’ve Got a Friend” — the Olivia Dean cover. If you haven’t heard it, listen to it — it’s pure balm for the ears and the soul. And also the film “You’ve Got Mail” with Meg Ryan.

Marie Vaněk — EN TEN TY KY dva špalíky

Marie Vaněk is a maker who gives new life to both clay and wood.
Her brand, EN TEN TY KY dva špalíky, was born from a love of nature, the Beskydy mountains, and the simple joy of creating.
Each piece is made with love and humility — a quiet gesture of returning to what truly matters, honoring tradition, craft, and the planet.

Marie works with ceramics, wood, upcycling, and organic shapes that carry the imprint of the hand and a story within.
Her objects have a soul — slightly imperfect, yet deeply real.
Made from the heart, for the table, and for you.