Gosztonyi Zoltán

GosztonyiZ_webThe craft I will be demonstrating is the carving of wood, bone and horn. This is an ancient technique for embellishing objects, a way of immortalizing a drawing on a durable canvas. Think of our ancestors who believed in the magical powers of drawing; they believed in curses and understood the importance of counteracting them. They carved their fears, tributes, beliefs and spells into bone, sand and rock.

I was born the youngest of three. My mother’s captivating fairytales, life wisdom, knowledge of ethnography and medicinal plants, as well as her beautiful handicrafts set a lifelong example for me. I have used a carving knife since I was a child. During my high school years, I was a folk dancer with the Somogy Dance Ensemble, an experience that greatly impacted my life. I developed my carving skills at a woodworking technical school, through research in libraries and museums, in various study groups and summer camps, and eventually at the University of Miskolc.

My masters are my ancestors from Somogy, whose principles and philosophies I strive to express in all my work. My personal goal is to pass on the shepherding techniques of Somogy to future generations by teaching children and sharing my knowledge with those interested. My products, made for contemporary use but with an eye towards tradition, are approved by the Applied Arts Council and the Folk Arts Council.

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