Chira Vasile

Both in Baia Mare, Romania and in the surrounding area, pottery has always been an important activity for the inhabitants, and there are still many potters who keep this art alive.
Vasile and Ica Chira are a lovely couple who continue the tradition inherited for four generations from their families, having a workshop-exhibition in the village of Cărbunari, Maramures, Romania with clay objects made by them.They work together to create special ceramic objects, many of them wearing traditional Maramures symbols.
They moved to Carbunari, 14 kilometers from Baia Mare, just to have the necessary space to carry out this activity so dear to them. There, the couple make various clay objects ready to be bought by the art and tradition lovers.
Ica comes from a family of potters, Angela and Liviu, her parents, being well-known potters in Baia Mare. When she was a child, she used to paint the objects they made: “I was more into music and passionate about dance. But through exercise, I was able to develop my skills. Pottery requires a lot of exercise and patience, but you must also have a penchant for this occupation”. Vasile also learned the art of pottery from Ica’s parents, especially from his father-in-law, who taught him to make various ceramic objects.
The two spouses share their tasks equally: Vasile models the clay, and Ica paints the obtained objects. Even the appearance of the house where they live is the result of their talent and skill, the walls being hand-painted by Ica and decorated with ceramic objects made by both. The workshop can host tourists, being spacious enough and very nicely arranged. Pottery workshops can also be arranged (contact the owners for this in advance is required).
You too can visit Chira Art workshop anytime you like and take part in the process of creating these wonderful objects!