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.