The Bird Painter

This past weekend my roommate and I went to a Hungarian folk art shop.  It's run by an older gentleman who is an amazing artist.

My roommate Rachel at Hallo Workshop

The workshop fills about the size of a European apartment.  It's charming and filled with all kinds of treasures that depict Hungarian culture.  He paints eggs, wooden, chicken and goose.  He makes and paints signs, boxes, candle sticks, furniture, mirrors, crosses, and many more things.

The workshop and sale room

 This is my second time here at the workshop.  I first went with my Aunt Dee in the fall.  I knew of it from receiving a gift from a student that was made here.  Many of the missionaries and the school shop here for gifts.

 He paints with traditional colors and designs of Hungarian folk art using lots of birds, pigeons, and hearts.  The work is beautiful.

While we were there the owner began to share with us of his financial troubles regarding his business.  He is struggling to keep the business viable in the economy here.  All his material costs have increased along with rent and utilities for his shop.  He also explained that neither of his children want to continue the business nor desire to paint.  I believe he was sharing this with us not for pity but to alert us so if we wanted to make any more purchases to do it quickly.

It was sad to hear his story for two reasons.  First, it saddens me that his art and a piece of Hungarian culture may die out if he closes his shop.  Second, it reminded me of the real struggle that the average Hungarian faces during these tough economic times here.