Rasa Ardys-Juska

Speaking the Language of Wood

As with any hobby or interest, a time comes when it becomes more than a hobby but a way to express one's total self – your roots, your culture, and your beliefs.

Viktoras Liaukus recalled that "For a means of support, I finished my studies and worked 52 years, 22 of which I worked at Lithuania's Ministry of Finance. Studying art and working on each art piece presented me an enjoyable hobby, and thereby, during my long lifetime, I've produced over 300 works of art based on Lithuanian themes."

The 94 year-old has gleaned the visual aspects of Lithuanian folklore, historical legends and events, and folk songs into his woodworking. His central theme, which repeats itself in most of his work, is the Sun. Liaukus includes this theme to stress the importance of the Sun during the Lithuanian pagan time period. The Sun was seen as the source of light and heat, which affected the earth's air and waters. The Sun also became the nurturer of all living beings, from birds to animals to fish to humans. As Lithuania's national hymn states, "Let the sun of Lithuania banish all darkness. Let light and truth guide our steps."

Liaukus's works have represented the Sun's wonderful characteristics, as seen in the wood carving of "The Wedding of the Sun and the Moon" above. The carving is based on a Lithuanian myth, which spins the story of the romance between the Sun and the Moon, and the angry response from Thunder.

The poet and writer Rev. Jonas Maironis immortalized the unforgettable folk tale of Jurate and Kastytis. Later, the Lithuanian composer Banaitis wrote an opera based on Maironis's dramatic narrative poem. Liaukus further translated the beautiful, eerie words into a wood sculpture of the "Goddess Jurate", as shown to the right.

Salomeja Neris wrote the poem of "Egle, Zalciu Karaliene" (Egle, the Serpent's Queen) in 1939. The composer Mikas Petrauskas created an opera based on this haunting story of loyalty, unconditional love, and family betrayal. Liaukus's works based on "Egle, Zalciu Karaliene" includes plaques, sculptures, and display holders for traditional hand woven sashes and linen towels. These carvings follow the traditional Lithuanian style of woodwork, which was used in daily life. Many Lithuanian homes, in Lithuania and the U.S., still display their heirloom woven sashes (juostas) and linen towels (ranksluoscius) in beautiful, intricately carved holders, such as the ones Liaukus has produced many times over. (An example is shown at right using the serpent theme.)

Liaukus's work has been displayed in 23 galleries or shows. In 1987 the Lithuanian-American Community of Hartford, Connecticut sponsored an exhibit on Lithuania's 600th anniversary of Christianity at the Hartford Old State House. Liaukus's various works were included and caught the attention of the American public. Liaukus stated that his home is also a perpetual gallery of his work.

Although Liaukus stated that he and his wife are at the twilight of their lives, he still continues to recall the folk songs, poetry, and stories using his carving tools and wood.