Stanisław Socha

Stanisław Socha is a trained agricultural machinery mechanic, but for many years, he has been dedicated to root carving and wood sculpture. He has a particular fondness for creating figures of Christ in Distress. He worked on the “Stone City” in Ciężkowice, where his contributions included a gate, pathways, oak steps, and railings, enhancing the tourist trail. By April 2011, plans included the creation of 30 sets of oak benches and tables.

Stanisław Socha established his own gallery, which visitors can explore and where workshops for children are also held. The gallery features numerous sculptures of figures, such as an old man and woman or a farmer at a well. The gallery's unique fence even attracted the attention of Polish Television, which interviewed the artist. Many of Stanisław's sculptures have found their way into private collections in Poland and abroad, as well as museums in Łęczyca, Babunia’s Cottage in Tarnów, the S. Udziela Ethnographic Museum in Kraków, and the Ethnographic Museum in Łódź. The artist also creates fences, signs, and various wooden decorations.

A self-taught artist, Stanisław’s passion for carving began in his childhood when primary school students in Brzozowa were tasked with making wooden night lamps. Later, he took up root carving, collecting interestingly shaped roots along the Dunajec River and adding his own carved elements. Since 1984, he has been creating sculptures using just a knife. Some of his early works are still on display in his gallery, meticulously preserved through professional conservation.

Stanisław works in a dedicated home workshop and sources his materials from Zakliczyn. He draws inspiration from his surroundings, enjoying recreating scenes of rural life. Sometimes, he simply observes a block of wood, looking for the hidden shape within. "The wood itself inspires," he says. For sculptures destined for interiors, he uses linden wood, while more durable works are crafted from larch, oak, and alder. The wooded area around Faściszowa ensures a plentiful supply of material.

He primarily creates sculptures on commission, selling them directly from his home, where visitors can closely examine the pieces. He also participates in local fairs and events, such as the Bean Festival in Zakliczyn and the Pogórze Artists’ Festival in Ciężkowice. In 1986, he won third place in the national competition "The Devil in Folk Sculpture," organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and Art. He has also conducted workshops in primary schools.

Stanisław shares his skills with his son, who co-owns the gallery. He dreams of creating a garden for outdoor lessons for children, where they could learn about rural life through sculptures. Through such initiatives, he hopes to nurture young sculpting talents among children and youth, turning his vision of an educational space into reality.
 
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