Daniel Leș

Daniel Leș, the potter from the heart of Maramureș, nicknamed "the last Dacian", lives simply, with love for people, nature and God, where else if not in the Potter's House; a welcoming place, with an ever-open gate, where people are welcome to rest their minds and souls, but also to learn about the mystery of clay sculpting.   

In Daniel Leș's workshop the age of technology just slips away while the craftsman sits at the wheel, always dressed in a traditional shirt, after having offered you delicious dishes and the harshest local brandy (horincă). And as the clay comes to life in his hands, the potter tells the story of his apprenticeship. For him the clay is living matter, the clay is holy, the clay is God’s raw material. For this reason he sculpts the clay with intense passion and with immense gratitude.

Known throughout the world for his unique artistic vision, the potter has won many awards and has exhibited his artworks in major museums around the world, participated in fairs and exhibitions to promote traditional culture both at national and international level, and TV stations need appointment to film in his magic workshop.

Proud to keep alive an ancestral tradition and eager to share his talent and craft with anyone willing to learn, Daniel Leș organizes pottery camps. In order to convey his love for Maramureș to his disciples, they are housed in refurbished traditional houses, which are almost 300 years old.

As a sign of gratitude for the promotion of the culture and crafts of Maramureș, the Maramureș County Council awarded the popular craftsman Daniel Leș the honorary title of "Ambassador of Maramureș Tourism".

Contact details: Baia Sprie, 1 Luncii st., mobile phone: 0723 856 109.

Workshop access: from the center of Baia Mare, respectively the intersection of Unirii Blvd. with București Blvd., go straight ahead on 22 Decembrie/DN 18B street, and at the first roundabout, take the 3rd exit, on Horea street towards Vasile Lucaciu street/DN 18; at the intersection take the first exit on road 1B towards Baia Sprie; drive for another 8.5 km. Turn right onto the first street after passing the city center and the City Hall.