Márta Legeza

Baskets for health and happiness

• Márta thrives on the process of creation
• She reshapes traditional patterns to match her own voice
• She sees the quest for beauty as an innate desire of humans

For Hungarian basket weaver Márta Legeza, craft is so much more than just a profession. She never tires of the joy of creation, it also gives her great spiritual nourishment. She is forever striving to improve her skills as a craftswoman by attending workshops held by old masters and famous basket weavers across borders. Her style is an intriguing mixture of traditional patterns with an exciting modern twist, resulting in masterpieces fitting the lifestyle and taste of today’s people. Márta reckons that humans are always on the lookout for beauty, and although in some ways we are slowly seeing the disappearance of these age old traditions, she expects future generations to see the value in these ancient crafts, and that the beauty lies in the making.

Interview

©Gábor Dusa

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Have you specialised within your own branch of the craft?

I am constantly striving to improve my skills. I attend seminars and master courses held by elderly Hungarian masters and renowned basket weavers abroad. During these sessions, I mostly hone my understanding and techniques in traditional wickerwork, creating classic spherical shapes and rustic surfaces.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Art is an essential need of able-souled people. Like so many other craftspeople, I often use creation as a form of spiritual nourishment. My source of inspiration is this millennium-old tradition. However, I often rethink and freely shape the inherited patterns to match my own creative voice.

Is there one thing you adore the most about your craft?

The process of creation fills me with great joy right from the planning phase. It is marvellous that craftspeople get to experience the essence of creation. I appreciate how captivating this whole process is. It teaches me patience, humility, perseverance, understanding and endows me with a fighting spirit.

Do you think your profession is in danger of disappearing?

Nowadays, natural transfer of skills and practices from parent to child is replaced by vocational learning within the confines of school education. However, I trust that desire from within will guide the upcoming generations to beauty, and there will always be a few who know where this beauty lies.

Márta Legeza is a master artisan: she began her career in 2011 and she started teaching in 2015

Works

©Gábor Dusa

©Gábor Dusa

©Gábor Dusa

©Gábor Dusa

©Gábor Dusa

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