Leontin Păun – the artist behind SIMPLU Ceramics
Leontin Păun is a complex visual artist, sculptor and ceramist, a member of the Union of Plastic Artists of Romania and a university professor at the "George Enescu" University of Arts in Iași.
Trained in sculpture and decorative arts, he has exhibited over the years both in Romania and abroad – from France, Belgium and Austria, to Turkey, the USA and Great Britain.
His works have been exhibited in prestigious venues, such as the European Commission gallery in Brussels or the Constantin Brâncuși hall of the Romanian Parliament, confirming his artistic recognition.
Driven by a desire to bring art closer to everyday life, Leontin created SIMPLU Ceramics – a collection of objects entirely handcrafted. Unlike traditional pottery, where the shape is dictated by the potter's wheel, each piece here is freely constructed, solely by hand, through direct sculptural gestures.
Thus, each SIMPLU Ceramics object becomes a unique, unrepeatable small sculpture , bearing the imprint and sensitivity of the artist – the same that can be found in his works exhibited in major galleries around the world.
Leontin's unique footprint
In his creations, Leontin explores fundamental themes such as life, time, and transformation, and his philosophy is based on the idea that art does not address a mass, but finds its soulmate. Through SIMPLU Ceramics, he translates this vision into small objects – mugs, teapots, bowls, vases – each handcrafted, without a potter's wheel, only through direct sculptural gestures.
Simplicity, authenticity, and emotion are the core of his work. Each piece created by Leontin Păun thus becomes a unique, unrepeatable small sculpture, bearing his unique imprint and transforming a ceramic object into a personal and meaningful experience.
The creation process
Modeling
The modeling process
For Leontin Păun, everything begins with a lump of clay – seemingly formless.
In his hands, matter comes to life: it stretches, it curves, it lets itself be carried by the artist's intention. Here, the idea becomes matter.
Every line, every curve it traces is guided by balance and simplicity, transforming the object into a piece that combines utility with harmony
Drying
The drying process
After Leontin Păun shapes each piece, time takes its course . The raw object needs to breathe, rest, and gradually harden.
It is a stage of patience and silence, in which fragility transforms into strength. During these days, the piece gains resilience and defines its final form, preserving within it the promise of beauty.
First_Burn
First blush
In the oven, the fire becomes Leontin's creative partner.
Under high temperatures, the material undergoes a spectacular metamorphosis: the clay hardens, the glaze melts and settles permanently, transforming into a smooth and resistant surface.
Burning is not just a technical step, but the alchemical moment in which the fragile becomes durable, and the object acquires a form of eternity.
Glazing
The glazing process
For Leontin Păun, glazing is the art of color and light. It is the moment when the clay takes on personality, and the surface becomes a living canvas.
Delicate layers of glaze are carefully applied, each adding depth, texture, and shine.
It is a dance that the artist conducts between pigment and transparency, between delicacy and intensity, between control and surprise.
Final Combustion
Final Combustion
In the final burning, Leontin entrusts his creation to the fire.
Under high temperatures, the glaze sets, the colors gain depth, and the clay becomes durable.
It is the moment when the fragile transforms into the eternal, and the piece concludes its journey as a small, unique sculpture.
Leontin Păun – Artistic Journey
Below you can discover the stages that outline the artistic journey of Leontin Păun – from training and exhibitions to monuments and international recognition.
Biography and education
Studies: Octav Băncilă High School of Art, Iași (1993–1997), George Enescu Academy of Art, Iași – Sculpture Department (1997–2002), Master's Degree in Decorative Arts (2002–2004).
Member of the Union of Plastic Artists of Romania (since 2005).
Doctorate in Visual Arts (2020).
University lecturer, PhD, at the "George Enescu" University of Arts Iași (since 2010).
Exhibitions and international presences
Participations in Romania and abroad: France, Belgium, Austria, Turkey, USA, Great Britain.
Prestigious spaces: The Constantin Brâncuși Hall of the Romanian Parliament, the European Commission in Brussels, galleries and international biennials.
Examples: Art Fair Battersea London (2018), Contemporary Art Fair Vienna (2020), exhibitions at the Cotroceni Museum, Simeza Gallery, Museum of Visual Arts Galați
Symposiums and artist residencies
International symposia in Turkey , Romania (Cucuteni, Techirghiol, Delta) .
Art residencies – ex. Arborescent - Wood sculpture made from illegally confiscated materials , Otetelișanu Manor (2015).
Romanian Creative Week - Iași (2024, 2025).
National Sculpture Camp - Năieni (2025).
National Sculpture Camp - Râmnicu Sărat (2025).
Monuments and public works
Busts dedicated to personalities such as Florica Cristoforeanu, Alexandru Sihleanu, Elisabeta of Wied, Carol I and Carol II, Pope John Paul II, Octavian Moșescu.
Symbolic monuments: Lupa Capitolina, Lupul Dacic.
Works placed in public spaces in Romania (Iași, Râmnicu Sărat, Vrancea).
Awards and recognitions
Award of Excellence (Serbia, 2013; Eminesciana, 2011).
Grand Prize at the Techirghiol International School of Art (2008).
I believe beauty resides in the details. Each mug, bowl, or vase is not just an object, but an invitation to slow down, to enjoy the present moment, and to bring a touch of harmony to your daily life.
— Leontin PăunThe creator of SIMPLU Ceramics
Each Simplu Ceramics piece is unique, because you are unique. We create custom-made objects and personalize them so that they become an extension of your style, your story, your identity. We don't mass-produce – we bring to life objects that speak about you.
— Leontin PăunSIMPLU Ceramics Creator
An object can be a gift, but an object with a story becomes a precious memory. That's why we create pieces that not only delight with their design, but also convey emotion. When you give SIMPLU ceramics, you give an experience, a gesture, a symbol of attention and love.
— Leontin PăunThe creator of SIMPLU Ceramics