LBU members

Albinas Šeputis

Serviso g. 38, LT-92335 Klaipėda; Tel. 8656-33775;

Born in year 1957 in Ziemgrindžiai village,  Klaipeda district. At present lives in Klaipeda.

In year 1964 started to attend Plikiai eight-year school.

In year 1972 learned in 24 professional school.
Since 1980 has been working in the company “Klaipeda’s Restauratorius“ as a metal worker.

Since 1990 has been working in the company “Klaipeda’s Restauratorius“ as a blacksmith-restorator.

Since 1994 is a member of Folk Artists’ Union.
Since 2006 – a member of Association: Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.
The participant of the 2007 international plenary session “Keturi Vejai” (“Four Winds”)..

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Albinas Šeputis

Albinas Šeputis

Algirdas Stankus

Gamyklos g. 31-5, LT-89110 Mažeikiai

He was born in 1948, in Viekšniai town.
The first attempts and experiences of smithery happened in his father’s Dominykas Stankus forge. He was the first teacher to his son. Secondary education was obtained in Kaunas Secondary School. He grasped the smithery craft and discipline at Telšiai Applied Arts Technicum.
When creating, he tried to preserve the authentic touch of Lithuanian smithery. At the same time he was interested in the smith art of foreign countries.

That’s how the first Damasko knives came into existence. In 1987 he presented these artworks in the decorative art exhibition in Vilnius. 

In 1988 he joined the Lithuanian Artists Association. In the same year, he joined Estonian Blacksmiths’ Association. Participated and still participates in a great number of exhibitions in Lithuania and abroad. 

He passed on his knowledge to other young blacksmiths. From the very early days, he is a teacher to his sons: Mindaugas ir Martynas. Their needs for the smithery craft were evident from the childhood and are still present today.  It has been six years already when a father and sons work and create together.
Since 2006, a member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.

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Algirdas Stankus

Algirdas Stankus

Algis Laumė

Agluonos g. 52A, Biržai, Tel. nr. 8 612 14969, el. paštas: algis.laume@gmail.com

Thoughts about smithery

I was born in 1956 and continued one old branch of Laumiai  (Surname Laume when translated in english means hag)  family tree of Birzai region. Therefore my biography is full of associations with myths about hags, their supernatural powers, jokes about relations, archetypical choices, origin of genes…

I relate the very first touches of art of smithery, not negating my destiny, with a forge in my parents’ yard – these first actions were about the fireplace, anvil, workbench… This was a stage of “apprentice” and probably consciously developed ability, experience, brought metal to my hand and soul…

Later on, construction, restoration works of Birzai castle grasped me in. Creative work, implementation of nontraditional ideas, combination of various materials, forms and designs always attracted me.

I completely dived into a sphere of smithery when I started working in farmer’s A. Linkevicius farm as a blacksmith: by creating a surrounding for leisure zone, I combine ideas of wood, stonework and metal works, use various techniques of wood enchaining.

Therefore, I am a representative of applied smithery, and do not value fancy items, however appreciate classic’s traditions, liable to clients and surroundings dictated style.

Nature, adventurous and associative thinking, improvisations and practice of self-taught blacksmith help successfully transform my ideas into distinctive piece of art, flame my work with a meaning…

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Algis Laumė

Algis Laumė

Antanas Sodaitis

Architektų g. 8-6, LT-78335 Šiauliai;Tel. 8682-63124; tryskalviai@yahoo.com www.tryskalviai.com

Was born in 1971.
The smithery was of an interest for him since his childhood, however, he devoted himself to this job only later on. He divides his production into three directions: applied, artistical and restoration. Applied smithery consists of various fences, gates of various elaborate and playful lines, etc. As the time went on, they started on more technically complicated artworks of a more subtle composition, such as: suns (these are qualitative new cases, instead of memorial monuments). He often remembered his grandfather’s forge, as this is the beginning of his career. Maybe this motivated him to restore old tools. He communicates with collectors, renovates and produces swords, knifes and daggers. He still searches for new secrets in both traditional and modern smithery.  According to his colleagues, the traces of strong and expressive hammer strikes dominate in his artworks. According to the author himself, this is the true signature of a blacksmith.

Since 2006, a member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.
In 2007, a participant of the International Smithery Symposium “Four Winds”.

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Antanas Sodaitis

Antanas Sodaitis

Arūnas Degė

Radviliškio g. 102-40,  LT-77105 Šiauliai; Tel. 8683-24548; tryskalviai@yahoo.com www.tryskalviai.com

He was born in 1964.
Why is he a blacksmith?  He finds it fascinating to create, to search and to communicate with people. As far as he remembers, he was always painting, modeling from clay, carving wood. His work objective - to adjust the smithery as a craf to the modern contemporary interior and exterior (and he has been practicing it since 1992). He is not afraid of experimenting. When sketching, he combines subtle composition and gracefulness of shapes. It is fascinating how stylized wooden branches as if being alive enclasp the stairs and become impressively looking handrails. He appreciates accuracy and precision in his work, and the client becomes as if a joint author.  He finds it pleasing when creative works are valued and appreciated.

Since 1995, a member of Lithuanian Folk Artists’ Society.

Since 2006, a member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.
In 2007, a participant of the International Smithery Symposium “Four Winds”.

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Arūnas Degė

Arūnas Degė

Darius Vilius

Vilkyčiai, šilutes rajonas Lt - 99053

Born in year 1983. Grew, surrounded by nature in Vilkyciai village, Silute district.
In year 2002 finished Eduardas Balsys Arts Gymnasium, where he received the hugest part of art knowledge.
In year 2005 started the works of a blacksmith in the forge “Dausakalys“, established by himself.  The smitherty works are projected for the concrete situation, often the ideas for the plasticity of the metal are to be pursued in photographs, music, nature… Even for the modern composition the archaism, national image is not rejected. The metal is often combined with wood, stone or other materials, the smithery is connected with other kinds of art.

In year 2006 accomplished the Bachelor degree studies in Klaipeda Virtual Design Department of Vilnius Art Academy.
Since year 2006 a member of Association: Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.
In year 2007 – a participant in the International Plenary Session "Keturi Vejai" "(“Four Winds”).

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Darius Vilius

Darius Vilius

Edmundas Štulas

Vensloviškių kaimas,Skirsnemunės sen. LT-74463 Jurbarko raj. Tel. 8618-74386; stulas@takas.lt

Born in year 1968

According to Edmundas, he was attracted to that kind of occupation, because of the blacksmith’s genes, inherited from the father. Despite in the childhood he was never interested in his father’s occupation, he still remembers when, using the sledge, he pulled the anvil, received from the old blacksmith. Now he knows: he pulled it for himself, as the above mentioned anvil, used by the fourth blacksmiths’ generation, has been standing in Edmundas’ forge for several years. As every farmer, E. Stulas often needs to mend some agricultural implements or to develop some details -  Once after taking into the hands a hammer, he felt that he is able to create something from the hot metal. At this moment in the farmer’s forge there are almost all tools, necessary for the blacksmith.

When midsummer rains, continuing for weeks, started, a forge is the only place, where Edmundas can calm down.  Then, one after the other ethnographic daisies from the metal shine out, the candlesticks are raising their heads proudly, horseshoes that bring luck are aligning. And the last summer Vensloviškiai farmer even  forged several souvenir ploughs, that were granted to the winners of the contest „Metų ūkis 2007“ (“Farm of the Year of 2007”). The original present astonished congenials of E. Stulas, but he himself felt that it is uninteresting to duplicate even the own creation.

The fatal for E. Stulas was the meeting of the spring of 2007 with the best Lithuanian blacksmith Vytautas Jarutis. After observing for a long how the former was working, Edmundas said that he himself is trying to do smithery creations – and after observing the shining eyes of the master, invited him in order to show his creations. During his visit the honoured spare no efforts for neither advices for nor the guidance and prompted not to stop and to create further.

Stulas has recently become the member of Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.  He is very happy that masters of smithery have appreciated it and more often climb to “his hill”, from which the view to the nearly situated village and verdant wealds – land, growing bread, opens and gifts the happiness of creation.

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Edmundas Štulas

Edmundas Štulas

Edvinas Vaišys

Aguonų g. 19-415, LT-03213 Vilnius; Tel. 8689-65111; kalvis@gmail.com

“Smithery is like a vicious circle and it is hard to step out of it, or even impossible as this creative work sphere joins all elements together – flame, metal, water...”, - states Vilnius blacksmith Edvinas Vaisys.

Born in 1973 a master, before discovering metal, was working with clay, trimming off stones, working with leather, however, smithery fascinated him the most  and has him faithful to it for six years already.

“I have to be all on my own in a smithery, so that no one would disturb me. This art requires exclusive concentration, strength and patience”, - states E. Vaisys.

A blacksmith developing his mastery day by day is sure that metal possibilities are unlimited: “You can forge everything- from nail to infinity”, - states Edvinas, however he admits that it is not satisfying to forge everything. “I hate fences, I do not forge big artwork, currently I forge suns and decorative compositions”, - reveals blacksmith regarding his work direction.

According to E. Vaisys it is not by accident that suns have became his favorite sphere in artwork. “I am interested in folk artwork. First of all, Lithuanian as well as other cultures, such as Tibet, Indian. I widely use folk art motives, symbols in my artwork”, - states a blacksmith, who pays no attention to current fashion tendencies and the newest smithery technologies are still not accessible.

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Edvinas Vaišys

Edvinas Vaišys

Egidijus Latėnas

Platiniškių g. 8, LT-06005 Vilnius; Tel. 8686-24178 latena@micro.lt

Was born in 1962.
In 1973, parents enrolled him in the “Children Arts School” by force;
In 1977, with the help of acquaintances, he entered Telšiai Applied Art Technicum. He would have not graduated, if he wouldn’t have been compassioned and left till the dissertation;

In 1982, he graduated from the technicum;
After the graduation, he felt he was done with the studies and decided not to continue anymore.

In 1983, he threw away half of the junk from his father – in – law’s barn, and out of the second half of the junk, he made a forge. The first artworks were performed at a -20C. Couple of years spent doing meaningless job in an official institution, hiding from the army.
In 1992, participated in the exhibition „ŠIAURĖS ATĖNUOSE“. They saw his artworks and have no longer invited him.

Since 2006, a member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.
In 2007, a participant of the International Smithery Symposium “Four Winds”.

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Egidijus Latėnas

Egidijus Latėnas

Egidijus Šulinskis

A. Jucio g. 26-17, LT-90148 Plungė; Tel. 8675-53872; egidijusmetalwork@gmail.com

Born in year 1972 in Plunge, finished  Plunge 3rd secondary school. When finished 8 form, entered  Plunge Agricultural School, but did not finished it.

In year 1997 moved to Klaipeda, for a short time employed himself in a little company, of smithery articles, owed by Armenians.  After that started to work in SC “Laivite“ as a welder, but the desire was to work with the metal. It had lasted 10 years. Eventually, that dream came true. At this moment he is creating smithery artworks at the same Plunge Agricultural School, which he once had not finished.  

He is self-educated and is sure that he will not give up blacksmith’s work till the last sigh. 

In year 2007 – member of Association: Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.

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Egidijus Šulinskis

Egidijus Šulinskis

Evaldas Rimkūnas

Liepų g. 10, Ryškėnų km., LT-88468 Telšių raj.; Tel. 8612-67414

Was born in 1966, in Telšiai.
In 1989 he graduated from Telšiai Applied Art Technicum.
After the technicum, all of his time was dedicated to artisitical smithery.

The main production direction: artistical and decorative figuration of fronts, interiors, individual houses and homesteads.
Since 1991 he participates in the Folk Artists’ Exhibitions in the whole Lithuania.

In 1997 he became a member of Lithuanian Folk Artists’ Society in Telšiai Department.

Since 2006, a member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.

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Evaldas Rimkūnas

Evaldas Rimkūnas

Gražvydas Černiauskas

Was born in 1961, in Marijampolė.
In 1981, he graduated from Telšiai Applied Arts Technicum and received the speciality of an artist-master.
In 1982, he started working in Klaipėda’s restoration workshop as a blacksmith-restorer. I restored a lot of known old town objects of Kaipeda (the balcony of the drama theatre, torches, and components of the old post office fence).
Since 1993, he works individually: restores designs and produces various artistical smithery works.

Since 2005, a member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.
In 2007, a participant of the International Smithery Symposium “Four Winds”.

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Gražvydas Černiauskas

Gražvydas Černiauskas

Jaunius Anužis

He was born in 1977.
He was going to Skuodas Secondary School. He was an art minded lad, so he decided to try for Telsiai School of Applied Arts. He saw the forge for the first time and was introduced to the specifics of the craft. From the very first practice, he felt an implacable attraction to smithery and a wish to remain in this craft. Graduating from Telsiai School of Applied Arts, he was qualified as a blacksmith. After studies, he was employed in Siauliai, later in Telsiai.
Today he is working in Klaipėda with blacksmiths G.Černiauskas ir A. Šeputis and states that smithery takes the most important place in his life.

Since 2006, a member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.
In 2007, a participant of the International Smithery Symposium “Four Winds”.

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Jaunius Anužis

Jaunius Anužis

Kęstutits Pyskaitis

He was born in 1980, in Marijampolė.
He grew up and still lives in Tauragė, where he was introduced to the smithery craft in his childhood, as his great-grandfather’s Stanislovas Albrechtas forge stood in their yard. Sometimes a grandfather Bronius Albrechtas and uncle Stanislovas Albrechtas were working in the forge as well. He received the first lessons of smithery from them as well.
In 1995-1998, he studied at Tauragė Agricultural Technicum, the art of smithery and machinery.

Since the childhood, the aptitude for art and painting kept on, therefore on the 1st of July, 2005 together with the like-minded people, established JSC “Hefaisto kalvė“.
Since 2006, a member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.

Currently, he learns how to paint, works and manages JSC “Hefaisto kalvė“. To grasp the subtlety of smithery art helps well known artists – blacksmith Edmundas Frejus and the sculptor Steponas Juška.

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Kęstutits Pyskaitis

Kęstutits Pyskaitis

Linas Leščiauskas

1 Klemiškės k., LT-91277 Klaipėdos raj.; Tel. 8699-57468; info@linokalve.com www.linokalve.com

Was born in 1973, in Biržuvėnai, Telšiai region. Linas Leščiauskas takes after his great -grandfather and grandfather.
In 1991 he entered the ASS (Artistical Smithery School) in Telšiai.
In 1995 he received a diploma of master-painter from ASS.
In 1995 he entered a (VAA) Visual Art Academy in Klaipeda.
In 1997 he established his workshop in Klemiškės village, Klaipėda region.
In 1999 he graduated form VAA and received a Bachelor’s diploma.

In 1999 he represented Lithuania in "Mare Balticum" , the Baltic States blacksmiths’ general sculptural project, in Oldenburg, Germany.
In 2000 was the participant of the IV Worlds Blacksmiths’ Congress, "Fero Insight 2000” in Germany.
In 2001 a winner of the contest „Art Gates" in Klaipėda, Lithuania.
In 2002 he left for the United States of America to the LMC company to work as a blacksmith – painter.

In 2003 he returned to Lithuania to continue his artwork in his workshop.
In 2005 his works were printed in the book called "Metalle Design International 2005".
Since 2005 he is the founder and the president of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.

In 2007, the organizer and the participant of the International Smithery Symposium “Four Winds”.

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Linas Leščiauskas

Linas Leščiauskas

Marijus Stošius

Tilžės g. 169-27, LT-76205 Šiauliai; Tel. 8650-64622; marijustos@gmail.com

He was born in 1970
He was studying in J.Janonio Secondary School in Šiauliai, where he became interested in art. He had excellent drawing teachers, participated in contests. When the time came to choose a profession, his father suggested entering, at that time called, Telšiai Applied Art Technicum. In 1986 he was accepted to study artistical wood processing speciality. At that time he already noticed that he had his heart at metal ware, their plasticity. Nevertheless, he has been working with wood carving and furniture making for a long time.

He discovered smithery as a craft quite recently. Completely accidentally, an acquaintance artist mentioned, that his friend, a blacksmith needs a helper, so he took this job with pleasure. Only after he realized that he had discovered himself.
In 1999 he created his first individual work, which he selected for folk artists mastership exhibition.  His first work did not remain unnoticed and this motivated him to go further. He participated in other several exhibitions with still new works. A true and completely independent work began.
In November, 2002, he was accepted into the Lithuanian Folk Artists’ Society to work in the sphere of artisitical smithery. He celebrates this day as his debut, as a blacksmith. During the last several years he participated in many folk artists exhibitions, craft demonstration events, not only in Lithuania, but also in Poland, Latvia, and Germany.
He had a chance to create the interior for cafes, houses and offices, as well as smithery like furniture, chandeliers, fireplace tools, and fireplaces themselves. And surely, favorite crosses, ‘suns’ swords, souvenirs.  The experience working with wood is reflected in the smithery art. He incorporates and combines these materials wherever possible.  At the describing moment, he is busy building his smithery workshop and he hopes that he will succeed in creating the reputable crafts studio, where  young people could try themselves and where they would have an opportunity just as he  had been given.
A member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ association since 2006

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Marijus Stošius

Marijus Stošius

Mindaugas Bumblys

Tilžės g. 169-27, LT-76205 Šiauliai; Tel. 8650-64622; marijustos@gmail.com

He was born in 1970
He was studying in J.Janonio Secondary School in Šiauliai, where he became interested in art. He had excellent drawing teachers, participated in contests. When the time came to choose a profession, his father suggested entering, at that time called, Telšiai Applied Art Technicum. In 1986 he was accepted to study artistical wood processing speciality. At that time he already noticed that he had his heart at metal ware, their plasticity. Nevertheless, he has been working with wood carving and furniture making for a long time.

He discovered smithery as a craft quite recently. Completely accidentally, an acquaintance artist mentioned, that his friend, a blacksmith needs a helper, so he took this job with pleasure. Only after he realized that he had discovered himself.
In 1999 he created his first individual work, which he selected for folk artists mastership exhibition.  His first work did not remain unnoticed and this motivated him to go further. He participated in other several exhibitions with still new works. A true and completely independent work began.
In November, 2002, he was accepted into the Lithuanian Folk Artists’ Society to work in the sphere of artisitical smithery. He celebrates this day as his debut, as a blacksmith. During the last several years he participated in many folk artists exhibitions, craft demonstration events, not only in Lithuania, but also in Poland, Latvia, and Germany.
He had a chance to create the interior for cafes, houses and offices, as well as smithery like furniture, chandeliers, fireplace tools, and fireplaces themselves. And surely, favorite crosses, ‘suns’ swords, souvenirs.  The experience working with wood is reflected in the smithery art. He incorporates and combines these materials wherever possible.  At the describing moment, he is busy building his smithery workshop and he hopes that he will succeed in creating the reputable crafts studio, where  young people could try themselves and where they would have an opportunity just as he  had been given.
A member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ association since 2006

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Mindaugas Bumblys

Mindaugas Bumblys

Mindaugas Kriukelis

Vandžiogalos pl. 106, LT-4302 Domeikava, Kauno rajonas

Was born in 1972.
He has been smithing and learning the specifics of this craft since 1989 by helping out his father Ričardas Kriukelis in the cooperative „Kalvio menas“. In 1997, together with his father he becomes a shareholder of  “Kaunas kalviai“
From the date of its establishment, JSC “Kaunas kalviai” has changed its location, until they finally settled in Kaunas region, Domeikava township industrial region. During the 12 years of existence, a huge experience is being gained, high quality specialists were developed. During those years, together with my father we gave all our efforts to create various new products of traditional and modern design smithery. The biggest part of the production the company exports to Scandinavia and Germany.

JSC " Kaunas kalviai " collaborates with architects, interior decorators, and builders, to create and fulfill the exterior fencing, and  adjust interior decorations to the individual needs, absolutely meeting the expectations and tastes of a client.
Since 2006, a member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.

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Mindaugas Kriukelis

Mindaugas Kriukelis

Raimondas Diekontas

Pasienio akl.1,  Kretinga Tel. 8672-81417;Raimondas.diekontas@gmail.com

“I am just at the beginning of a smithery road, however, this job has already became my passion in life and I never count the time spent in a forge”, - states Kretinga citizen Raimondas Diekontas having started two forge two years ago.

Blacksmith genes and the first lessons were received from his blacksmith grandfather. From the very beginning R. Diekontas related his life to metal; however, his first jobs were far from what one can call an art. He started working as auto-machinist at the car repair service.

A fate turn into smithery in his life became a folk artist’s Raimundas Puskorius order to forge the top for the gravestone. “I forged one cross-sun, and then received other orders. Apparently, people noticed my work and they liked it”, - remembers blacksmith his very first start. Today he forges not only suns, but also fireplaces, fireplace tools, rails, fences, gates.

“What I most enjoy is forging what I am still incapable of doing. Such orders motivate to develop”, - states the master, dreaming to forge even damask sometime.

“For now, I don’t have a specific smithery style, I try to adapt to the clients wishes. I enjoy forging flora motives, free composition”, - states R. Diekontas.

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Raimondas Diekontas

Raimondas Diekontas

Raimundas Vaitkūnas

Piliakalnio g.13, LT-06229 Vilnius;Tel. 8698-14122; info@vilniauskalviai.lt www.vilniauskalviai.lt

Born in year 1958 in Daugiai. Lives in Vilnius.
Finished Vilniaus A. Vienuolio Secondary School, the higher school of  Sevastopolis Navy, the Faculty of Law of Vilnius University, Vilnius art school.
Started to work as a blacksmith-renovator in the Yard of Pieces of Art in year 1985, has not parted with the hammer yet. Thus, 21 years near the forge: many or little?
During the career forged the puissance of various artworks.  One of them are more felicitous, other – less...
Likes to create and forge crosses, daisies. One of the most momentous of his works are the gates in the theme of forest. In July of year 2005 participated in the XIIth International Exhibition of Artistic Smithery in Poland, where he was awarded with the letter of honour of Gdansk Archeological Museum “for the artistic value of accomplished works”.

What the craft of blacksmith means to him? Maybe avocation, maybe karma. He has not himself answered to this question yet.
In year 1997 established a company “Vilnius’ Blacksmiths”, where he is still working and which he managers.
He opened smithery museum-gallery in the area of Vilnius’ artists, called Uzupys, which has been operating for three years.  The basic aims of the gallery – to make the art of smithery more popular in the society, to introduce people with its history and development, to create an opportunity to see the demonstration of that craft “lively”. The present gallery is a participant of Figure Crafts, ethnographic trades and fairs’ program.

Since year 2006 a member of Association: Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.
In year 2007 – a participant in the International Plenary Session "Keturi Vejai" "(“Four Winds”).

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Raimundas Vaitkūnas

Raimundas Vaitkūnas

Ramūnas Gudaitis

Tilžės g. 65-16, LT-78166 Šiauliai;  Tel. 8615-60285; tryskalviai@yahoo.com www.tryskalviai.com

He was born in 1970.
Smithery has grasped him since 1995. The last decade taught him to lift up the metals voice. Ramūnas likes strict lines. He believes he discovered a distinctive way of metal curving: from deep - rough to light, even transparent. He creates minimalistic artwork; he seeks that they would evoke peacefulness and suggestive modernism.

Since 2006, a member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.
In 2007, a participant of the International Smithery Symposium “Four Winds”.

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Ramūnas Gudaitis

Ramūnas Gudaitis

Ričardas Grekavičius

Sukilėlių pr. 78-34; LT- 49340 Kaunas Tel. 8699-63687; rickoskalve@yahoo.com www.rickoskalve.lt

He was born in 1965.
Everything began in1988, when friends invited me to try out myself in smithery. Since that time, he stayed devoted to it.
Since 2001, he is a member of Lithuanian Folk Artists’ Society.

In 2006, he joined the Lithuanian Blacksmiths Association.
He has never refused to demonstrate this complicated, but fine craft in Birštonas, Kaunas, Jurbarkas and other cities’ festivals. In 2007, he participated in Klaipėda, Mažeikiai, Daugpilis, Ryga blacksmiths’ festivals. The symposium „Zyplių Žiogas“ in Lukšiai is the mostly anticipated annual  festival. He is a participant since 2004.
In 2005, he organized a personal exhibition in Prienai

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Ričardas Grekavičius

Ričardas Grekavičius

Rytis Navasaitis

Vokiečių g.18-1, 01130-Vilnius; Tel. 8671-73413

He was born in 1972, in the old town of Vilnius, in the family of artists.
He grew up communicating with bohemian people. He studied at the famous Vilnius Salomėja Neris Secondary School. Later, he obtained the occupation of a woodworker- carpenter.
A known blacksmith Vygintas Adomavičius engaged him into this craft and allowed him to deepen his knowledge and learn about this sphere. Later on, he got acquainted to blacksmith Egidijus Latėnas. He was working at his for hour years. Currently, he designs and works individually.
Since 2006, a member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.
In 2007, a participant of the International Smithery Symposium “Four Winds”.

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Rytis Navasaitis

Rytis Navasaitis

Saulius Kronis

Vyturio g.9, Velžio km., LT-36147 Panevėžio raj. Tel.8615-46619 El.p.:info@kskalve.lt

He was born in 1973 in Panevezys . He attended Velzys secondary school, later – J.Svedas Music School of Pedagogy in Panevezys. He became seriously interested in smithery five years ago. He gained his experience at a smithery workshop of Vytautas Kryzevicius of Panevezys; worked in CJSC “Metalo meistrai” as a blacksmith.

For the third year he is working at his own established smithery, where after permanent hammering exclusive works warmed by human hands are created by using metal and fire. Forged pieces find their place in cozy, originally decorated houses, and decorate a landscape. Metal protects your house; and this multiform material also helps to implement the most unexpected ideas – to forge exclusive pieces for extraordinary customers, daring to live in such original environment.

In 2009 he entered Lithuanian Folk Artists’ Union. The same year one of his works was chosen for a folk art exhibition dedicated to the Millennium of the Name of Lithuania, which was arranged in Radvila Palace in the capital.

Last year his old dream became true – mobile forge was established. He found an unused authentic smithery device to blow furnace in one manor of Anyksciai District. He bought this wheel for a symbolic price, restored it, and is now able to show people how blacksmiths worked hundreds years ago without electricity. With this mobile forge he demonstrates smith’s craft at feasts and fairs; as such authentic device draws the interest of many people.

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Saulius Kronis

Saulius Kronis

Saulius Pladis

Ziniūnų k. LT-84001 Joniškio r.; Tel. 8610-38657; megam@one.lt

He was born in 1964.
In 1990, he graduated from Joniškėlis Agricultural Technicum and received the occupation of an agronomist. Since 1993 he started farming. While farming, he took business license and started producing the artworks of metal and wood. When he has read the article in the newspaper about the blacksmith A.Stankus, he went to see him to be introduced to the craft of smithery. That’s how he got involved in smithery. In 2000 all the income received from farming were used to purchase his workshop.
In 2001 he established his company.
The company in which currently work about 20 highly qualified and professional employees was established in 2001. Having big production accommodations, adjusted to metal and wood processing artworks, even at the very start were producing smithery artworks, such as: fences, gates, candlesticks, fireplace accessories. We started combining smithery with wood and glass. Gradually they went to authentic smithery – aged oak furniture production.  Currently, this is the main direction of production. The mentioned furniture fits very well in the interior of cafes, bars, or individual houses interior.

Since 2006, a member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.
In 2007,  a participant of the International Smithery Symposium “Four Winds”.

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Saulius Pladis

Saulius Pladis

Stanislav Mudinas

Taikos pr.17-49, LT-91140 Klaipėda;Tel. 8612-49211; kalvis@inbox.ru

He was born in 1961.
He has been practicing the craft of smithery for more than 20 years. The first steps were laid in Lithuanian restoration workshop in Klaipeda. Later he established his own company.

He specializes in artistical smithery – mostly these are authentic artworks made out of black or non-ferrous metal, produced according to individual orders ( artisitical candlesticks, tables, chandeliers, fireplace tools and other interior segments ). His smithery artworks can be traced not only in Lithuania, but in foreign countries as well, such as: Poland, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Australia. He participated in the Folk Artists exhibitions as well.

Since 2006, a member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.
In 2007, a participant of the International Smithery Symposium “Four Winds”.

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Stanislav Mudinas

Stanislav Mudinas

Valdas Jurkšaitis

Macikų kaimas, LT-99156 Šilutės raj.; Tel. 8620-53391; kalvisvaldas.jurksaitis@gmail.com

Was born in 1974.
From the very early days he felt an attraction to painting, modeling, and any other “fine things damage”. When these whims did not end even in the elementary school, there were no other options as just in 1985 to enter Vilnius M .K. Čiurlionis Secondary Art School.
In the 10th grade he chose graphic arts speciality. When he started working with the engravings of cooper, zinc, he realized that he is interested not only in illustration lines of the metal sheet, but also the material itself, and the possibilities residing in it.

Therefore, in 1990 he entered Telšiai Applied Art School, with the speciality in metal. In 1995, he received a metal design diploma.
At the moment, he practices artistical stimthery in his private workshop. He is pleased that he can apply his previously received knowledge of graphic composition to the play of repeating facture, pattern and lines in metal.

Since 2006, a member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.

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Valdas Jurkšaitis

Valdas Jurkšaitis

Virgilijus Mikuckis

Pavasario g. 49-16, LT-89178 Mažeikiai;Tel. 8610-04330; virkal@gmail.com

Was born in 1967 in Mažeikiai region, Žemalės village.
In 1986 he graduated from TAAT (Telsiai Applied Arts Technicum ). Occupation – artistical metal processing.
In 1987 – 1989 he served in the Soviet army.
In 1992 – 2005 he studied in Algirdas Stankus forge – academy “Karas ir Menas”.
In 1999 he attended the 3rd World’s Samogitians Art Exhibition.

Since 1993 he is as member of Lithuanian Folk Artists’ Society.
In 2006 he established a forge in Mažeikiai region, Tirkšliai town. His works are exhibited in various general exhibitions of Lithuania and foreign countries’ cities. Smithery is his pleasure of life.

Since 2006, a member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.
In 2007,  a participant of the International Smithery Symposium “Four Winds”.

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Virgilijus Mikuckis

Virgilijus Mikuckis

Vygintas Adomavičius

Was born in 1962, in Vilnius.
He was going to Vilnius Salomėja Neris Secondary School up till 9(8) form, later he studied at Vilnius Polytechnic , specializing in metalwork machine and automatic lines. He did not have any specialized smithery studies relating to this art. His work practice started in 1980, when he started working in Vilnius Restoration Workshop, as a blacksmith. After that, he was working at Vilnius Transportable Mechanization Shaft., in Maišiagala vegetable-growing farm, and Vilnius ritual service company.
When the revival started, he established his own company “Kalveda“. He was working in Lentvaris , producing artistical smithery artwork. Lately, he practiced creative artwork and analyzed the metal- plastic sculpture.

He organized several authorship exhibitions in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Nida, St. Petersburg, Moscow, Helsinki, and Stockholm. Most of his artworks left for abroad. He has three children. Today, all of his time is dedicated to the creative artwork.
Since 2006, a member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.

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Vygintas Adomavičius

Vygintas Adomavičius

Vytautas Jarutis

Jazminų g. 52-1, LT-63189 Alytus; Tel. 8683-93044; sunkuskujis@one.lt

Was born in 1936 in Žagarė, Joniškis region.
He has been working in smithery since 1967.
He has been participating in exhibitions since 1963. His artwork was exhibited in Lithuania and abroad. V.Jarutis art is wide: woodenware, jewelry, smithery artwork: candlesticks, flower stands, torches, chandeliers, grilles, fireplace tools, prizes, memorial monuments and their tops – crosses and suns, decorative sculptures. The most impressive part of V.Jarutis creation – memorial monuments and their decorative tops, which production is based on traditional small architectures monuments’ tops.

A member of Lithuanian Folk Artists’ Society’s, Alytus department. In 2005, he was given a status of art creator .
Since 2006, a member of honor of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.
In 2007, a participant of the International Smithery Symposium “Four Winds”.

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Vytautas Jarutis

Vytautas Jarutis

Vytautas Slavinskas

Ligoninės g. 2, LT-87394 Telšiai

He was born in the fall of 1969. He settled in Telšiai, at home of his kind parents, at the base of a church mountain. For many years the entire team of teachers in Telšiai 5th Secondary School as well as Plungė Building Technicum was trying to make a good man out of him.
In 1990, he entered Telšiai Higher Art School, learning the artistical metal processing.  

In 1995 he finished studying and decided that he was a serious - minded man. He met Giedrė, which became his wife. They ,,forged” couple children – Urtė ir Julius.
Together with his partner Robertas Rimkūnas, they established a forge in Telšiai. They have been forging for 10 years already.
Since 2006, a member of the Lithuanian Blacksmiths’ Union.

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Vytautas Slavinskas

Vytautas Slavinskas

Andrius Bagdonas

Andrius Bagdonas

Baltijos pr 43-43, LT-94129 Klaipėda; Tel. 860722079;  el.paštas: metalstilius@gmail.com

Gimė 1987 m. Radaviliškio raj. Pakalniškių km.

1997 m. su šeima persikėlė į Klaipėdą.

2003 m. įstojo į Klaipėdos „Laivų statybos ir remonto mokyklą“, 2006 m. įgijo laivų korpusų surinkėjo kvalifikaciją. Iki 2008 m. dirbo laivų statybos pramonėje, kuri jam nekėlė žavesio ir susidomėjimo. Tada suprato, kad yra linkęs kurti ir leisti savo fantazijai reikštis laisvai.

Daugiau paieškojęs atrado „Kalvę“  ir tada pateko pas savo pirmąjį mokytoją - kalvį Liną Leščiauską, pas kurį jau dirbo puiki meistrų komanda. Per 3 m. pas kalvį Liną išmoko kruopštumo ir meistriškumo, kaip kokybiškai atlikti gražų, gerą darbą.

Išmokęs kalvystės pagrindus ir supratęs metalo lankstymo meno technologiją toliau tobulinosi pas kitus tautodailės meistrus: G. Černiauską ir A. Šeputį. 2 m. iš šių meistrų sėmėsi metalo kalimo technologijos.

Šiandieną gali drąsiai pasakyti, kad eina teisingu keliu ir, kad kalvystės menas buvo yra ir  visada bus jo širdyje.

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Andrius Bagdonas

Andrius Bagdonas