Tadeas Podracky

This new work “Self-pollinating Graft” looks at hybridization and resilience through the lens of Sorbus sudetica, a tree that has adapted to survive in near-complete isolation. In the North Bohemian mountains it endures as a small community of mirrored forms, holding the memory of its place across thousands of years.

The piece captures a moment of splitting and growth - when two shapes begin to separate yet still share one body. The fruit and flower appear at different stages of maturity, with subtle insect-like features that hint at the role of pollinators in shaping living structures.

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Fertile Seed

This work looks at the asexual reproduction of Sorbus sudetica, a rare hybrid tree that exists mainly as one genetic individual split into about 150 clones. It has survived for roughly 20,000 years thanks to its very specific adaptation to a single place. (Northern Bohemian mountains)
The sculpture starts from a human reproductive organ used as a seed. It grows into a version of Sorbus that includes insect-like features, referring to insects as carriers of genetic information. In this interpretation the organism functions as a closed system that does not depend on pollination.

The piece explores hybridization as a form of resilience and as a way to think about how societies can adapt by developing strong internal capacities and staying closely connected to their environment.


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“Self-pollinating graft”

Carved birch wood

Shot by

At my happy place!

Studio shots by

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From my latest series, now on display with at until tomorrow.

“Fertile Seed I”
H 100 cm × W 40 cm × D 40 cm
Carved birch wood, waxed and colored with mineral pigments.

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Excited to slowly start sharing a new body of work I’ve been developing over the past months.
This sculpture draws from the idea of a fertile seed of Sorbus sudetica, a very rare hybrid tree that survives only in a small isolated area in the northeastern Bohemian mountains. I’ve been interested in the idea of reproduction, memory of place and its inherent hybridity.

The piece is carved from birch wood. I spent a long time experimenting with surface finishes and colour layering to create a skin like, almost warm presence, something that feels alive and growing.
It was a long and honestly stressful process to find the right recipe, but I’m very happy with the result.

Today presented for the first time within the installation at

„Fertile Seed I“
2025
Dimensions H 100cm W 40cm D 40cm

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The Bloom of Bones, Light - now on display with at

Made by hand from ebonized maple and smoke crystal glass. This is the second piece in a lighting pair, first introduced at Design Miami. Originally, both objects were meant to be made and exhibited together, but the slow carving rhythm of maple set its own pace. The second piece wasn’t about duplication - they exist as two forms evolving from each other.

To shape it, I had to reach into body memory - recalling forms through my hands rather than copying them. I prefer this way of working. Instead of repeating, I was discovering the form again. It feels as if the object is growing through me.

Thank you for the opportunity to bring this work to life.

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Spoons

oxidized cherry, pear, cherry, pear core, am. walnut

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The Risen from the Ashes, dining tables

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Risen from the Ashes — Dining Tables

This was one of the most complex projects I’ve ever worked on. Designing the structure and overall form at such a scale was far from simple — I went through multiple life-size models and countless drawings until I was truly satisfied. The development took quite a few months and involved many rounds of refinement.

The goal was to create a modular system of dining tables that could overlap, remain comfortable for everyday use, and still carry a strong avant-garde character. A great challenge — but one I’m truly grateful for, as it pushed my skills further. I believe the result speaks for itself.

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Thanks to