Justyna Domańska-Siuda (1977) graduated University of Warsaw in geology, completed her M. Sc. in mineralogy making reaserch on the Rędziny marble quarry. One specimens collected by her during that research was the biggest native bismuth nodule known from Poland (3 kg!), with huge (for the species) crystals of joseite (up to 1 cm).Justyna's carried out her Ph. D. research in geochemistry of the magmatic processes in the Strzegom area. She now works at Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology at the Geology Department of University of Warsaw. You can find a list of her more important publicationsHERE.
When she was a student Justyna joined the "Spirifer group" becoming our friend and companion of numerous adventures. She is a vivid mineral collector and loves geology. Her second, a bit hidden, passion is pottery. After many experiments and discussions together with the team of Mineral Museum in Szczawno-Zdrój in Poland (under construction) Justyna got convinced to start a line of Mineral Pottery which will be sold under the Museum's brand, to help to fundraise the project. Her works will be sold in the future in the Museum and now you can buy them from Sprifer Minerals. They are both beautiful and funny and what is more the funds you spend will be dedicated to a good mineral-related purpose.
And here are a few words directly from Justyna - My name is Justyna Domańska-Siuda, I have a Ph.D in geology and I carry out my research and teach at the Geology Department at the University of Warsaw. My scientific interest is focused on mineralogy and pertology. I also collect minerals since my young years and enjoy field collecting. Both my professional work and collecting hobby combined led me at one point to the pottery workshops - eventually different types of ceramics' materials are just phyllosilicates and aluminosilicates with a very complicated and interesting internal structure. Pottery gives unlimited possibilities of creation, and since I love minerals, I started using crystals as a theme of my pottery work.
Dr. Justyna Domańska-Siuda in front of the lava flow of the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland. In her scientific research, Justyna focuses on geochemistry of magmatic processes.
The best known specimen of native bismuth with joséite from Poland, collected by Justyna Domańska-Siuda in Rędziny quarry. Whole specimen is 10 cm wide, joséite crystals reach up to 1 cm!
Justyna Domańska-Siuda making pottery in her workshop, looking for the inspiration in specimens and old mineral drawings.
Plate with amethysts and inspiration specimen.
Mineral plate, half ready ...
similar plate already finished.
Ceramic firing.
Justyna Domańska-Siuda with her pottery.
Assorted mineral pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Mineral pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda together with the muse :-)
Mineral pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Mineral pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Mineral pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Mineral pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda. M. Mauthner photo.
Mineral pottery (sugar bowl) by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Mineral pottery (sugar bowl) by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Mineral pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Mineral pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Mineral pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Mineral pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Mineral pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda is created for the
Mineral Museum in Szczawno-Zdrój, Poland.
Hand made pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Hand made pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Hand made pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Hand made pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Hand made pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Hand made pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Hand made pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Hand made pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Hand made pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Hand made pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Hand made pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Hand made pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Hand made pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Hand made pottery by Justyna Domańska-Siuda.
Dr. Justyna Domańska-Siuda in Czatkowice quarry, Poland.