Bitės Žolynai

Bringing Lithuanian tradition and nature into your home – handcrafted grass sculptures & straw gardens

Bitės žolynai

Viktorija Bitinaitė Stankevičienė

bites.zolynai

Viktorija Bite

About me

My artistic journey

I’m Viktorija Bitinaitė Stankevičienė, a passionate weaver, ceramic artist, and painter with a deep love for nature. Born in Vilnius in 1973, I studied ceramic art at the Vilnius Art Academy. Since 2009, I have been a proud member of the Lithuanian Folk Artists Association. My creative journey began with a fascination for the beauty of natural materials, and over time, it has evolved into a deep connection with the earth and its many textures.

Experience and achievements

For over fourteen years, I’ve been creating intricate grass and straw sculptures, combining the old traditions of Lithuanian folk art with a modern sensibility. My work has been exhibited in various fairs and galleries across Lithuania, showcasing a mix of decorative pieces and themed sculptures. I have had the honor of working with prestigious cultural institutions like the Vilnius Old Crafts Workshop, the Vilnius Ethnic Culture Center, and numerous regional museums.

Teaching and exhibitions

Creative philosophy

I am passionate about sharing my love for Lithuanian folk art with others. Over the years, I have led numerous educational workshops for both children and adults. I teach traditional weaving techniques and the art of creating with natural materials, helping others connect with nature and their cultural heritage. My work has been regularly featured in exhibitions, and I actively participate in fairs, where I showcase my latest creations. You can explore some of my photographs and exhibition videos on the Lithuanian Folk Artists Association website.

Working with herbs and grasses is both an art and a form of meditation. Inspired by nature's colors and textures, from soft greens to rich reds, my sculptures reflect a harmony between tradition and nature, bringing the beauty of the natural world into every piece.

COLLECTIONS

Earth’s echo - sculpting with clay

I discovered traditional fermented clay pottery as a subtle art form, naturally decorated by nature, resembling either animal hides or various earth surfaces. In my sculpting, I draw inspiration from archaeological finds, where the solid forms of these ancient vessels harmoniously complement the fermented clay pottery.

Karvutė iš prakartėlės

“The cow from nativity scene”

Diedukas ir bobutė

“Grandpa and Grandma”

This reflects both my natural inspiration and deep connection to the earth, which is echoed in the textures, forms, and colors of my clay pieces. It evokes the harmony between tradition, nature, and artistic expression that is central to my creative process.

Cukrinės, prieskoninės, druskinės

“Sygar shakers, pepper mills, spice jars”

Tableware

“Ausius”

Kalėdinė prakartėlė

“Christmas nativity scene”

It was acquired by the Rokiškis Manor Museum.

Ceramic pots

“Poison”

“Two sides”

“Night”

“Forest”

Execution technique: white chamotte, Baltic raku, glaze, firing temperature 1000°C

Fermenting clay allows organic textures to develop, giving each piece a raw, earthy feel. This technique results in surfaces that mimic animal hides, weathered stone, or natural landscapes. I primarily use neutral tones—muted browns, warm beiges, and charcoal grays—reflecting the subtle beauty of untouched earth. The vibe of my pottery is organic, grounded, and timeless, evoking a sense of ancient heritage and a connection to nature.

Straw gardens

A Fusion of Tradition and Nature

My "Straw Gardens" are more than just decorative pieces; they are a celebration of Lithuania's deep-rooted folk traditions and my personal connection with nature.

These straw sculptures, known as "Straw Gardens," are carefully composed to evoke the delicate balance between nature and art.

Drawing from Lithuania's age-old craft of palm weaving, I create unique, three-dimensional works that merge my expertise in folk art with a contemporary aesthetic. Each sculpture, much like a garden, represents a harmonious interplay of organic materials, blending colors and shapes to form artistic compositions that reflect the beauty of our cultural heritage.

My hope is that these pieces transport you to a world where the earth's simplest elements come together to tell a story of beauty, meditation, and timeless craftsmanship.

Specialy these straw gardens were made for a project “La Saison de la Lituanie en France 2024”

GRIGO RATAI

“Grigas wheels”

2024 m.

ŽVAIGŽDĖTA NAKTIS

“Starry night”

2024 m.

VANDENYNAS

pagal mitą apie pasaulio sukūrimą

“Ocean”

by “The World Tree creation” myth

2024 m.

PASAULIS - PO SAULE

“The world under the sun”

2024 m.

STRĖLĖ

“Arrow”

2024 m.

LANGAS

“Window”

2024 m.

ELNIŲ ŠOKIS

“The dance of the deer”

2024 m.

My straw sculptures are created using the traditional Lithuanian craft of straw weaving. Each piece is carefully constructed with dried straw, grasses, and herbs, following techniques that have been passed down through generations. I focus on natural hues—golden yellows, soft greens, and earthy browns—which reflect the colors of the Lithuanian countryside. The compositions have a light, airy feel, with intricate details that create a sense of movement and rhythm. The vibe is one of serenity, with a balance between traditional craftsmanship and a contemporary aesthetic.

Verba and grass sculptures

A "verba" is a traditional Lithuanian Palm Sunday decoration made from dried grasses, herbs, and flowers. It symbolizes spring, renewal, and Easter, and is a cherished part of Lithuanian folk art passed down through generations.

In my grass sculptures, I weave together dried grasses, herbs, and grains, often integrating berries for a pop of color. Techniques include knotting, braiding, and twisting, creating a harmonious fusion of texture and form. The colors range from pale greens and golden yellows to deeper browns, punctuated by the vibrant reds and oranges of rowanberries and other natural elements. These sculptures give off an earthy, rustic vibe, with a touch of mythology and folklore, offering a tactile connection to nature and the changing seasons.

I am deeply in love with grasses, herbs, and grains—the fragrant materials I use to create my sculptures. For nearly twenty years, I have been crafting both decorative and thematic grass sculptures, often featuring various figures and characters. My palms, or "verbas," transform into World Trees, where you can see elements from Lithuanian mythology—like the sun, the moon, and a duck.

I also create hanging compositions called "wells," which, much like traditional straw gardens, evoke a magical, mesmerizing, and dynamic world. Everything moves, dances... and smells wonderful. For weaving animals, I use lake reeds, sedges, and straw. The grasses I work with come in a beautiful palette of colors: light green, yellow, golden, grey, and brown... with the vibrant reds and oranges of berries. It’s like painting with living nature.

Paintings

In my paintings, I explore Lithuanian folk life and nature through vibrant, expressive brushstrokes. I use acrylic paints on canvas, applying layers to build depth and texture. My color choices are bold yet natural, with deep greens, rich browns, bright yellows, and vibrant reds dominating the palette. The scenes capture the energy of traditional markets, historic streets, and natural landscapes, often infused with a hint of nostalgia. The vibe is lively and dynamic, with a deep connection to both the Lithuanian landscape and cultural heritage.

Verbų pardavėjos

“Easter palms sellers”

tempera on canvas 90x80cm

2023m.

“SHE”

pagal Kanutas Ruseckas

tempera on canva 110x90cm.

2023m.

Šv. Kazimieras

“St. Casimir”

tempera on canva 110x90cm.

2023m.

In these paintings, we see palm (verbos ) makers selling their palms in the authentic surroundings of our beloved Vilnius: on their way to the Gates of Dawn (Sharp Gate), they argue by the side of the Cathedral wall, sit and wait on the Town Hall steps with the Church of St. Casimir in the background. A lively market is bustling in Lukiškės Square near the Church of St. Philip and St. James the Apostles. Like a bee, I fly around my hometown, visiting its most beautiful architectural gems.

For over 20 years, I have also been binding palms from dried grasses, creating spatial and decorative grass sculptures. When exhibiting them, I will pair them with my paintings.

Verbų sekmadienis

“Palm sunday”

tempera on canva

2023m. 90x80cm.