My name is Monika Vitek  and I’m a multimedia artist based in Portland, Oregon. I was born and raised in Czechoslovakia, where the rich history of art surrounded me daily, whether it was on street corners, in the architecture, or on cobblestone  streets beneath my feet. Those early influences are always  with me, blending with the vast and endless l landscapes I’ve called home in the Pacific Northwest for the past 25 years.

My paintings reflect a deep connection to both worlds. Drawing inspiration from the unseen space beneath the surface of the earth, which grounds us and connects us, and from the seemingly empty vast space above which makes us think deeply and invites us to dream. I work from a place of emotion, searching for balance, looking for peace, adding texture and depth to each piece with  dark iron sand from the Oregon coast. This process allows me to explore what lies beneath the surface and how the unseen interacts with the visible world. Through my series Sands of Stillness,  Uncommon Landscapes and Out There, I hope to capture a sense of wonder and appreciation for this life, this planet, and the vast unknown that we all share. 

As a potter, my work is driven by a deep fascination with both form and meaning. I’m drawn to creating pieces that serve a purpose, but also reflect something more personal, designs that emerge from a subconscious place. Working with luscious porcelain and using Mishima technique, I explore the delicate intersections of line work and repetition, where one design transitions into another. These shifts remind me of the threads that connect our lives and relationships in subtle, often abstract ways.

Ilmenite, an iron-rich sand from the Oregon Coast, plays a significant role in my ceramic work, whether it's woven into the clay, slip, inlay, or glaze. It is fascinating  how porcelain can both reveal and obscure these natural materials; how they age, move, and settle into place. My art reflects a blend of my Czech heritage and the untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest, capturing the sense of connection and discovery that keeps me passionate about every piece I create.

 It is my hope that my pieces add a measure of joy to everyday life.