{"id":20108,"date":"2024-06-19T00:39:15","date_gmt":"2024-06-18T22:39:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.amber.com.pl\/w-msb-dzialamy-z-pasji-do-bursztynu-rozmowa-z-ewa-wagner-wysiecka\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T19:43:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T17:43:02","slug":"at-msb-we-work-with-a-passion-for-amber-a-conversation-with-ewa-wagner-wysiecka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/amber.com.pl\/en\/aktualnosci\/w-msb-dzialamy-z-pasji-do-bursztynu-rozmowa-z-ewa-wagner-wysiecka\/","title":{"rendered":"At MSB we operate from a passion for amber - an interview with Ewa Wagner-Wysiecka"},"content":{"rendered":"

I've been wondering how to go about dismantling harmful stereotypes about the MSU. I think the simplest way will be to summarise the past term. But let's start with the most important question: what does the MSU do? Because apparently, it does nothing\u2026
<\/strong>
The International Amber Association, founded as the Amber Association in 1996, cultivates the tradition of bringing together people connected with amber, a tradition that has existed in Gda\u0144sk since the 15th century. We bring together those who are professionally associated with amber, but our doors are open to anyone who simply loves amber. Baltic amber is the most important to us, and therefore all our activities are aimed at ensuring its high status, not only here in Gda\u0144sk, Poland, but also worldwide.<\/p>\n

Amber has captivated the human eye since times predating antiquity, and the mind has sought to unravel its mysteries. We reveal these in our publications, and invite our members to actively participate in their creation. The majority of articles in the magazine we publish \u201eBursztynisko. The Amber Magazine\u201d<\/a> it arises from inspiration born from conversations and contact with our members.<\/p>\n

We want amber and amber artists to have a permanent presence in public spaces. That is why we organise numerous exhibitions in our gallery, hosting both the most distinguished personalities from the artistic world and promoting young, talented creators. We strive to ignite a passion for amber in the younger generation \u2013 here, we collaborate with schools and higher education institutions with an artistic focus. Through competitions, we fund numerous prizes in the form of raw amber, engaging in the promotion of works created from it. We organise workshops where everyone can experience the magic of working with amber.<\/p>\n

Referring to the best traditions of amber craftsman guilds, we support manufacturers and artists by awarding Recommended Company Certificates<\/a>, which strengthen the company's position and guarantee the highest quality of offered products. Nowadays, ensuring quality and adhering to good business practices on the market is crucial, which we also support through our activities Laboratory<\/a>. We certify amber products, not just Baltic amber, providing a guarantee of honesty for sellers and ensuring safety for buyers. We also collaborate with museums worldwide on material identification; among other things, we have studied Goethe's collection at the Goetheanum in Jena. Anyone can visit the Laboratory, even if just passing through Gda\u0144sk. Such situations happen very often. Objects found in domestic nooks and crannies, or nuggets discovered during walks along the seaside and elsewhere, arrive at the Laboratory. These are often exceptionally interesting materials, and discussions about them are particularly engaging and exciting.<\/p>\n

MSB is a platform for meetings, contacts, information exchange, and substantive discussions. A place where passion and love for amber bring tangible results. And everyone \u2013 literally \u2013 can find an area for action here.<\/p>\n

\"3637<\/figure>\n

How do you rate MSB's current condition?
<\/strong>
I view MSB through the prism of time \u2013 it\u2019s almost thirty years of operation for an organisation founded by people with exceptionally broad horizons, who love amber. They infected me with this love almost 20 years ago. Over the years, MSB has developed at its own pace, with ups and downs \u2013 as conditions allowed. Recently, we\u2019ve also weathered a number of storms. However, I can say without hesitation that the Association is in very good shape at the moment. We are developing dynamically on many fronts. If we were to give our organisation human characteristics, I would speak of its physical and mental condition. Both are currently in good shape, which I can translate into tangible results of our activities in the form of financial outcomes, as well as the effects of other actions, including on the international stage, where we have established a number of interesting and promising contacts. Also in the Middle East, where amber holds a special place and its value is exceptionally appreciated. In January this year, we were invited by Katara Cultural Village as the MSB Amber Laboratory team to the largest trade fair and exhibition event in the Middle East. Kahraman International Amber Exhibition in Doha<\/a> (Katar). The cooperation was extremely fruitful and will continue in future editions of the event. Last year, we also promoted amber in Kuwait. In cooperation with the Polish Embassy, supported by our members from the region, we organised lectures and exhibitions of works by Polish artists who are our members. In the area of international amber promotion, we also actively cooperate with PAiH. We have established cooperation with trade fair and exhibition centres worldwide, which has resulted, among other things, in signing an agreement with Katara Cultural Village and MSB concerning the operation of an amber laboratory at their trade fairs. In total, we participated in fifteen trade fair events in Poland and abroad. Furthermore, we have established and developed cooperation with three Polish amber mines, offering a new product from the Laboratory: a programme AMBER ORIGIN CERTIFICATE<\/a> ensuring transparency in the sourcing of amber from legal origins, with a commitment to environmental care and reclamation processes in areas of amber prospecting, exploration, and extraction from deposits located within Poland.<\/p>\n

What amber promotion initiatives did the MSB undertake domestically during the previous term?<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are many such activities. Among them, we should primarily mention the activity MSB Gallery<\/a>, hosts artists of international renown and organises exhibitions of contemporary jewellery art. By awarding raw amber in international competitions \u2013 including the International Amber Jewellery Design Competition Amberif Design Award, the International Goldsmith Art Competition in Legnica, and in previous years JOYA BARCELONA ART JEWELLERY & OBJECT \u2013 we encourage even those who have never worked with amber before to do so. Fantastic results of these encouragements \u2013 in the form of works made with amber \u2013 have been on display at exhibitions in the MSB Gallery for several years now.<\/p>\n

The association also organises exhibitions \u2013 the latest one, very well received by the public at the Legnica Silver Festival in May this year, where it premiered, is \u201eAMBER 2024 > Other Criteria\u201d<\/a> presenting a carefully selected collection of almost 100 unique pieces by top amber artists from Poland and abroad, as well as jewellery that has won awards and distinctions in prestigious goldsmithing art competitions. In summary: during the past term, we organised eleven exhibitions by Polish and foreign artists, and meetings with artists at the MSB Gallery. Arnaldem Jord\u00e0<\/a> from Portugal and Miriam Arentz <\/a>From Germany. Too Professor Micha\u0142 My\u015bli\u0144ski's lecture<\/a> The event accompanying the exhibition \u201eFrom Idea to Industry\u201d attracted a large audience and sparked interesting discussions.<\/p>\n

An important achievement of the Association, realised through joint effort over recent months, is also the exceptional, bilingual album \u201eBaltic Amber. Nature. History. Culture\u201d<\/a>. Looking at the substantive aspect of this publication, it is the quintessence of our organisation's activities: a symbiosis between different areas. Three issues of \u201eBursztynisko. The Amber Magazine\u201d have also been made available to readers.<\/p>\n

Thanks to MSB's involvement, amber also appeared on the film set of the production. \u201eLove on the first page\u201d<\/a>. For exceptional achievements in the field of amber promotion, the Chapter awarded the titles of Amber Person of the Year to three individuals: Oleniy Belychenko<\/a> (2021), To Sebastian Tajlo<\/a> and To Giedymin Jab\u0142o\u0144ski<\/a> (2023).<\/p>\n

One would like to say that we have achieved a lot. But in reality, if something succeeds, it is often down to chance. Meanwhile, we have achieved all of this through the hard work of our members.<\/p>\n

What will be the biggest challenges facing the new Association board at the moment?<\/strong><\/p>\n

An association is the people who make it up. To be able to act effectively, we need the commitment of our members. Their ideas about amber. From my point of view, at the moment, a certain challenge is changing the members\u201e attitudes. Many of them ask: \u201dWhat does the Association give me?\u201e. The question should rather be: \u201dWhat can I do for the Association?\". Integrating members active in various areas related to amber and cooperating with the environment is interdisciplinarity that gives the organisation strength.<\/p>\n

However, the basis is working for the Association, not pursuing particular interests, especially those solely and exclusively focused on commercialising the organisation's activities. Maintaining this balance is extremely important, as it builds and strengthens credibility and reliability, and in the case of our Laboratory's activities, it also ensures objectivity. This should be strongly emphasized \u2013 particularly in relation to the producers for whom we also work. We have worked for many years to achieve our position \u2013 maintaining and further strengthening it is, in my opinion, the paramount objective. Believe me, this is not easy, especially when grappling with determined competition.<\/p>\n

Another issue that, when resolved, will allow us to intensify our efforts and implement many plans is our headquarters. The current premises in which we operate are, to put it mildly, difficult. However, we have reason to look optimistically towards the future on this matter. We have submitted the relevant documents and are awaiting the final decision of the Gda\u0144sk City Council. We believe it will be a positive one.<\/p>\n

I'd like to refer to the manufacturers\u201e thread: before the last general meeting, it was strongly emphasised that in MSB \u201dthere are too many scientists and too few manufacturers.\" What do you think is the reason for this division and this accusation?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Indeed, such a phrasing has appeared in the public sphere. I do not take this personally as a representative of the group of members with academic degrees or titles, of whom there are many in the MSB. Membership in the Association is voluntary. Furthermore, the division, so to speak, between producers and scientists nowadays can only be formal due to the specifics of their activities. Can we imagine economic and technological progress without the cooperation of science and business? Knowledge transfer, its utilisation, and innovation are crucial for global development. This necessity for cooperation must also be applied to our local area and the activities of the Association. Entrepreneurs should strive to utilise the intellectual resources of MSB members who are directly involved in science or have scientific experience. At the same time, it must be emphasised that the MSB would not be able to exist without the companies that cooperate in many areas. Without cooperation with companies, without the exchange of information, and without discussions about the needs and challenges of the modern market, it is definitely more difficult to function effectively.<\/p>\n

The Amber Laboratory MSB's activities are the best example of a bridge between science and industry. I can't imagine the Laboratory operating without the involvement of specialists, including chemists and materials scientists. Amber is a unique material, unlike other gemstones. Gemmologists with solid, broad education and appropriate experience understand this very well. I had the opportunity to discuss this, among other places, in Antwerp, Amsterdam, and most recently in Paris in 2022, where I was invited to a conference organised by the largest European organisation involved in gemmological education, The Federation for European Education in Gemmology. Amber presents a challenge. We should all be committed to building platforms for effective cooperation, rather than creating divisions.<\/p>\n

Where does this division come from? I can only speculate. From my own experience, I know that cooperation between academia and business in a broad sense is not always easy. However, we do not conduct science in the strict sense within the Association. We utilise its achievements. We seek inspiration for research on amber in a broader scope than just material identification. Our work for the Association is not about profits or remuneration. Each of us has our own professional job, which is a source of livelihood, and interests other than amber, including scientific ones. In MSB, we act out of passion for amber. We share our experiences in both specialist and more popular publications. Let's take our magazine \u201eBursztynisko\u201d as an example \u2013 everyone will find something for themselves there.<\/p>\n

Does MSB carry out other activities for scientists, artists or producers?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We do not differentiate our activities or dedicate them to a specific group. We operate in a broad sense \u2013 for the entire community, undertaking numerous initiatives to promote our members, including producers. For example, at the Amberif trade fair, each MSB member has the opportunity to donate one item for an exhibition at the MSB stand. Such an item is accompanied by a certificate from the MSB Amber Laboratory, issued free of charge. At every trade fair, the MSB stand is also intended as a meeting place for both members and new people interested in amber. Many take advantage of this opportunity, and this is where inspiration for entirely new initiatives is born.<\/p>\n

We promote our members beyond the borders of the country as well. Here are a few examples. Members have the opportunity to submit their exhibits \u2013 researched free of charge \u2013 for exhibitions. This was the case in Singapore and Kuwait. Catalogues promoting amber are being created, for example, a catalogue developed jointly with PAIH for the Gem Geneve 2023 jewellery fair. Each of our members, including producers, had the opportunity to participate in these events. Information about planned activities and opportunities to participate in them is sent to MSB members via email, as well as communicated through the MSB Newsletter.<\/p>\n

The MSB Amber Laboratory is also widely open to our members, including manufacturers. We offer special conditions for object examination. The examination confirms the authenticity of the material and its quality. It reveals all its characteristics. This is important for both parties. The seller establishes their credibility and builds trust in the market. For the buyer, it ensures purchase security. A certificate issued by a party not involved in the transaction in any way also serves as the circulation history of a given object and allows for the confirmation of its authenticity at a later time than the direct moment of purchase. It is worth emphasising here that the MSB Amber Laboratory is an institution with an established position, possessing an interdisciplinary team of specialists with extensive contacts among amber researchers and gemologists from recognised European and global gemmological institutes. We examine not only Baltic amber \u2013 succinite, but also other resins of the world classified as amber. Our offer also includes the Amber Origin Certificate \u2013 a certificate issued exclusively for items made from natural, unmodified Baltic amber purchased transparently from a mine cooperating with MSB under this programme. The reliability of the examinations is ensured through multi-level verification of the obtained results. Expert opinions are never based on individual opinions. This ensures security for both the seller and the buyer.<\/p>\n

Activities such as exhibitions, for example the recent Baltic Amber 2024 > Other Criteria, workshops for artists with specialities other than amber, and scientific seminars are designed to promote amber and knowledge about it. We reach a wide audience. We promote both amber and amber artisans. Of course, we also look after the end customer, for whom we have verified knowledge about amber and issue certificates to producers, which are intended to protect them. Ultimately, it is they who make the choice, and the offer is so rich and diverse. The Association has a place for everyone who is willing to act synergistically \u2013 this gives strength. For everyone who would like to engage in creative discussion, including critically, but not destructively.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Dr. hab. Eng. Ewa Wagner-Wysiecka, Professor of PG<\/strong> \u2013 Vice-President of the International Amber Association, academic director of the Amber Laboratory MSB, MSB amber expert. Head and research fellow at the Department of Chemistry and Technology of Functional Materials, Faculty of Chemistry, Gda\u0144sk University of Technology. Author of numerous publications concerning, among others, Baltic amber. It was, among other things, on her initiative that an agreement was established between MSB and Gda\u0144sk University of Technology, as a result of which Baltic amber and other natural and synthetic resins could be scientifically investigated. By introducing the topic of fossil resins into her permanent area of scientific research, here in Gda\u0144sk, the World Amber Capital, a place for scientific, credible amber research has been created.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There are at least as many myths surrounding the International Amber Association as there are surrounding amber itself. Unfortunately, some of them are damaging - both to the organisation and to its members. Hence - on the eve of the MSB's general membership meeting - the need to defuse them.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":20106,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"slim_seo":{"title":"W MSB dzia\u0142amy z pasji do bursztynu \u2013 rozmowa z Ew\u0105 Wagner-Wysieck\u0105 - Amber Portal","description":"As many myths have accumulated around the International Amber Association as around amber itself. Unfortunately, some of them are damaging \u2013 and"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[118],"tags":[252],"sekcja":[245],"class_list":["post-20108","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wywiady","tag-msb","sekcja-ludzie-opinie"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/amber.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20108","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/amber.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/amber.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/amber.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/amber.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20108"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/amber.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20108\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/amber.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20106"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/amber.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20108"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/amber.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20108"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/amber.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20108"},{"taxonomy":"sekcja","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/amber.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sekcja?post=20108"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}