It's 2017, during music class, Piotrek hears "Oj, chmielu" (Oj, chmielu) for the first time – one of the oldest Polish wedding songs. Thus begins his adventure with folklore, which continues to this day, and shows no signs of ending anytime soon. Perhaps it's the spirit of the place, as Piotr grew up near Lipce Reymontowskie.
I immediately found other tunes on YouTube, then discovered the band "Mazowsze" and listened to all their albums. And through music, I discovered channels related to ethnography. And that's how I began learning folk crafts, embroidery. Through trial and error, and I think I have made all the mistakes, I finally learned how to embroider
– syas the UniLodz student.
At the same time, folk dancing emerged. Piotr danced with a local group in Lipce Reymontowskie. However, in 2020, the pandemic arrived. And with it – a forced break.
I realised then how much I missed it. I danced at home alone, with a broom, but thanks to this, after returning to the group, I was still in shape and quickly got back into the rhythm
– he recalls.
Throughout all this time, Piotrek has also developed a great passion for embroidery. He also collects folk costumes (beginning with an original wool folk garment purchased at a market for PLN 20) and ceramics. All the exhibits are slowly filling up the dowry chest from the early 20th century, which he also managed to successfully acquire.
Right now, I'm doing custom embroidery and have ongoing collaborations. That's what I want to do. I'm not the type of person who would thrive in a corporate environment driven by compulsion; I work best when I'm curious to learn something
– says Piotrek.
That's why his studies at the University of Lodz could have been concluded quickly. The first semester, full of theory and fundamentals, proved difficult. However, in the spring, material culture came to classes, and his passion allowed Piotrek to finally find his place here. Regular visits to the dance club "Harnam" in Lodz probably also helped.
Most likely, Piotr will earn a BA degree, perhaps an MA degree. He'll definitely continue on a path full of folklore. Perhaps combined with his studies in some way…
