Fire and folklore
- Ričardas makes ornamental iron trees and crosses
- His creations are now listed as national heritage objects
- He was awarded Best Lithuanian Blacksmith in 2019
The grandson of a blacksmith, Ričardas Grekavičius is self-taught and came to this craft by vocation. For him, blacksmithing is a magical craft, as a blacksmith is a person who controls fire – controls and respects it at the same time. Ričardas also respects the tradition of Lithuanian folk blacksmithing. He is a member of the Lithuanian Folk Artisans' Union and the Lithuanian Blacksmiths' Union. His works are certified as national heritage products, and in 2019 he was awarded the honourable title of the Best Lithuanian Blacksmith. He forges Lithuanian iron cross tops, so-called 'little suns', crosses, small architectural details, and fences for gravestones at his forge in a remote village. Ričardas often draws inspiration from nature, turning crosses into trees and sprouting branches with leaves and flowers.
Interview
- How did you become interested in this craft?
- It was my calling. My grandfather was a blacksmith, although I never saw him work. But since I was a child, I have loved working with my hands, making models of ships and planes. I had a lot of patience to create and craft. When a relative offered me a job as a blacksmith, I did not think twice.
- What was the first piece you forged?
- I started by forging copper products. This is a type of blacksmithing, using soft metals. It is not difficult if you feel the metal and know how to look closely. My first products were decorative frames for a mirror and a table.
- What do you like most about your work?
- Fire. Fire fascinates me, it is like it guides me in my work, and I can make a different piece every time. I am always happy when I am working.
- What is the relationship between tradition and creativity in your work?
- Tradition is something to be respected. I use traditional elements and blacksmithing tools, but I choose modern technology to speed up the work. I forge my work by hand, as in the olden days, but use pneumatic hammers and contemporary cutting and drilling tools, too.
Ričardas Grekavičius is a master artisan: he began his career in 1988 and he started teaching in 2012
Works
Where
Ričardas Grekavičius
