Gosia Kościółek

Sculptor Gosia Kościółek moved to Toronto at the age of 12 in 1994 from Poland. Having been influenced by her brother’s artistic skills at a young age, she gravitated towards drawing. Her background in illustration led to an early career in painting, before eventually settling on sculpting. 

“I’m currently focusing on creating emotive sculpted figures using ceramic clay and a mixture of various techniques,” she says. “I’m endlessly exploring ways in which to combine my passion for sculpting, illustrating and painting.”

Gosia dedicated herself to sculpting in clay in 2013, spending countless hours researching techniques and materials, and experimenting with different types of clay. Since then, her sculptural works have been shown internationally, from Europe to the US and throughout Toronto and Montreal, and have been featured in numerous publications such as Hi-Fructose Magazine, Create Magazine, Steadfast Art Magazine, Canadian Interiors Magazine and House and Home Magazine.

With her art rooted in a need to process life’s experiences and all that comes with them – society, the world, motherhood, and the effects we’re having on the planet – Gosia describes herself as an artist with a lot churning in her soul. In her creative process, she uses figures to embody her emotions through their haunting gazes and gentle expressions  – appearing still, but with a quiet storm of inner contemplation under the surface. Visual symbols, often inspired by nature, add to the work. 

Now living and working in Prince Edward County, Gosia’s sculptural work can be seen at the County Arts Lab this summer. 

On July 17th, 2026, Gosia’s exhibition, Water, opens in the County Arts Lab exhibition vitrines. Focusing on the essential element we take for granted every day, the exhibition is an invitation to slow down, reflect and take action against climate change. All are invited to the opening reception of Water on Friday, July 17th, 2026 from 5-8 PM, during which County Arts’ 40th Anniversary Celebration will take place.

Gosia’s work can also be seen on exhibition currently at Art in the County, on now until July 12th, 2026 at the County Arts Lab. Two of Gosia’s sculptures were juried into the show and sale, and her ceramic sculpture, Becoming Bloom, received an Honourable Mention Award.

Read on below to learn more about her recent projects, inspiration, what tools have helped her in her career, and more!

Tell us about your upcoming projects:

This summer I have two events with County Arts. I am exhibiting my sculptures for the first time in the annual Art in the County Show, June 26 – July 12. The second exhibition, entitled Water, will feature installations in the vitrines just outside of the County Arts Lab, July 17 – September 2. The focus of the these installations is to bring attention to the environmental crisis and the important role that water plays in our daily lives. I am particularly excited about the vitrines project as it will be my first time creating installations with my sculptures and the first time I will be using my physical art to speak up about environmental concerns.

What have you worked on recently that has you excited?

I recently completed a collaboration with CBC Arts, that was both exciting personally and professionally. Under the guidance of a wonderful and supportive producer, Kiah Welsh, I created a very personal video short in which I shared my experience of becoming a mom, the hardships of that transition and the effects it had on my art. The video features me working in my studio, trying to salvage an old, cracking clay sculpture; while at the same time trying to heal the cracks inside myself. Working with CBC was a great experience and I was surprised how much I enjoyed the technical aspects of making a video. The whole process was therapeutic, it released something that was waiting to come out, allowing me to move forward in my art. However, sharing my story and the reactions of women from across the world that could relate, was the real reward.

Where in the County do you find the most creative inspiration?

I moved to The County for the stunning beaches so without hesitation the beach is where I find the most creative inspiration. Something about a good beach walk fills my cup, the wind off the waves clears my mind and ideas start to flow. But there’s also something about the community here, whether it’s our neighbours, friends, cashiers at the grocery store or the team at County Arts – there’s a lot of kindness and love, which I find very inspiring. And I absolutely cannot finish answering this question without mentioning the magic of the Firelight Lantern Festival by The Department of Illumination. As I approached Benson Park, the first time I went with my family, I couldn’t believe my eyes, the scene was surreal. The choir sang an enchanting song while the illuminated characters danced in the dark and I thought I was dreaming. That moment is forever etched into my mind.

Which tools or resources have helped you the most in your career? 

Instagram had a huge impact on my career. It opened up the world to me and opened me up to the world. As an introvert, I don’t believe I would’ve met half the people/galleries I worked with without Instagram. Which brings me to my second most valuable resource – art community. Whether it’s my virtual art community on IG, my art colleagues from Toronto throughout the years or the new art community I’m building here in The County, I learned everything and continue to learn, from my great big art family.

What is your favourite comfort food?

Cake, cake and more cake!