Józef and Karol Lasik

Józef Lasik comes from Stryszawa which is a well-known toy making centre in Poland. He made his first pieces when he was around 9-10 years old, but only at 23 did he truly begin his adventure with sculpting. He makes wooden toys and sculptures. He uses pine and lime wood. The products are painted using acrylic paints and aqueous lacquer.  His works have varied themes. They are mostly animals (horses, donkeys, kittens, cows, birds etc), also thise which can move – birds, hens, storks with flapping wings, klepok, carts, angels, sacral sculpture and nativity scenes.

Józef has passed on his knowledge to his son, Karol who also has been mastering toy making skills since childhood. They have won many awards and distinctions, they are also members of Folk Artists’ Association and “NADwyraz” foundation.

The toy making traditions of Żywuec and Sucha Beskidzka were entered into the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016.