BLEDEA IOAN-  SCULPTOR

”It is God’s work”

I think i was sent here with a special purpose. If I had to take this art all over again I don’t think I would be able to.

1.     Where do you have your love for cuture from?

Ever since I was a child I learned to love wood carving, especially that my father made his own tools. He never bought one. In elementary school, I was one of the most talented ones. I used to make looms, planes, toys, carts.

2.     Is there a connection between you and wood?

Yes.  I grew up here in Maramures, where you can fiind wood everywhere. It gives us food, tools and furniture. Everytime I used my ax, I felt that the wood was crying- not because of sadness, but of happinness, „I managed to escapoe fire. Now I will become a work of art”.

3.     Which is the piece you love most?

There are more than one. All of them are my children. I have invested love and talent in all of them.

4.     Who was your model?

Maybe Brancusi. I didn’t want to immitate him, but to use him as inspiration for ideas and shapes. He is my idol.

5.     Where did you go for exhibitions?

You could have asked me where I haven’t been yet…

I have more than 150 exhibitions. I can’t remember all of them. Ove 50 are in France alone. I Romania, In Sighetu Marmatiei at the Town Hal land other towns in Romania.

6.     Can you tell us about the prizes you have won?

There have been many prizes. All of them were the first prize. I have never taken second prize. It was either the first one, or none at all.

I took the first prize in Mexico, Germany, France…..

7.     There are many Romanians who leave the country. Why didn’t you?