My first copper work, 'Vineyard,' opened up my horizons

A beautiful and humble story is told to us by Danche Naumoska, the woman who, starting today, is part of our list of heroes who do small things of great significance in the development of tourism in Macedonia.

Danche lives and creates in Ohrid, the Jerusalem of the Balkans. For almost 20 years, she has been involved in the production of jewelry and decorative copper works, a craft she inherited from her father.

She says about herself that she is not someone who likes to use many words when it comes to describing herself, but prefers to let her works speak for her. Her belief is that when a person creates something meaningful, that work speaks to their identity, origin, and tradition, because such humility is a characteristic of great people.

Her beginnings in this profession date back a long time. The love for creating copper products was passed down to her by her father, as she would visit his workshop when she was still a child. Danche remembers that at that time, she was most attracted to the colors of copper during its chemical reaction—oxidation, and she also recalls her beginnings 20 years ago when, with a small hammer in her hand, a few tools from her father, and a piece of copper, she created her first work, 'Vineyard,' with the intention of decorating her home. Since then, she has patiently and dedicatedly been writing her life story, called 'The Copper Fairy Tale.

"Work is my pleasure. This is a creative job that personally fulfills me and makes me happy and satisfied," says Danche.

She adds that working with copper also removes negative energy and fills her soul. In the workshop, there is quiet music that provides complete satisfaction and motivation to create something new.

Her creations are her authority and greatest inspiration, while her weakness lies in the undiscovered things, towards which she is in constant search.

Danche tells us that the Romans, from the 6th to the 3rd century BC, used copper nuggets as money, and later, they cast copper coins. In ancient Macedonia, copper vessels were most commonly used in households, and copper trays were given as wedding gifts, considered the most valuable presents. This is something she wishes to continue, thus preserving the tradition of the Macedonian people.

Danche has had many clients with various desires and expectations, requesting specific works from her. She has constantly received comments that what she creates is flawlessly done and that these are timeless pieces deserving of respect.

The greatest support comes from her sons, and also from her husband, who is always her right-hand man when it comes to the assembly work.

You can view her works on Instagram with one click HERE.

Her Facebook profile, featuring her creations, can be found with one click HERE.