Artist Spotlight
CAMA
Since the 13th century, CAMA Ceramics has been at the forefront in the creation of high-quality ceramics. CAMA is synonymous with quality and reputation, and has a rigorous quality control program at each step of the development process to ensure only the finest pieces make it to the consumer. During our visit with Renato, Elena and Andrea, we marveled at the intricate detail that goes into the creation of their Majolica. Andrea detailed how only the finest clay is used for the creation of their products. The clay is not subjected to the addition of any man-made products, and therefore precludes their use in a microwave oven. As Luigi demonstrated how each piece is spun and hand-shaped, he did so next to two previous-generation tables used by his ancestors. CAMA fires its clay in gas-fueled furnaces that burn in excess of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, and the first firing lasts nearly two days. Andrea informed us that 2% of the Biscotti pieces do not pass inspection, as each piece is subjected to standards established many years ago. Following the first firing, the Biscotti is prepared for glazing. The vats of glaze are hand-churned for nearly 30 minutes prior to dipping to ensure the glaze is of the correct consistency. After the dipping and drying of the Biscotti, each item is stenciled to prepare it for painting. The painting is supervised by Elena, and Andrea informed us that a two-year internship exists for painters working at CAMA. The painters must share the passion and drive to craft the best creations possible. One painter is allowed to work on one item for only 2-3 hours in one day; a fresh painter must then rotate in on the piece as a measure of quality control. Following the painting, each piece is inscribed to include custom inscriptions if necessary, then coated with a special layer prior to final firing. Meticulous attention to detail is CAMA's trademark, and in keeping with the ancient Deruta traditions of excellence. Fittingly, CAMA majolica is indeed for those who desire to own the best. Before we departed, Andrea showed us photos of his father and mother delivering one of their ceramic plates to Pope John Paul II in Rome.
Ceramiche I.M.A.
Founded over 30 years ago in Montelupo, Ceramiche I.M.A. is a company of unique Italian ceramic artisans who find their inspiration and their materials from the Arno River, which is located near the company's factory. Ceramiche I.M.A. artisans use bold colors and graphics to infuse their distinctive works with the warmth and color of Italy, seeking inspiration from the local botanica and clear azure skies of the Arno region.
De Simone Ceramics
Giovanni DeSimone was born into the Italian aristocracy, and was a student of Pablo Picasso's, whose influence is clearly apparent in his work. A well known Italian potter during the latter part of the 20th century, Giovanni's pieces are often compared to those of Picasso. While being inspired by one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, Giovanni departs in his use of bright colors and warm palette, creating truly unique and innovative works that continue to inspire his descendants. Giovanni's legacy is carried on today by his daughters, Rosita, Susanna, and Margherita, whose contemporary works are strong echoes of their father's gift. Susanna, the most prolific of the three carries on these works based in Southern Italy.
Eugenio Ricciarelli Collection
Mr. Ricciarelli is a most skillful artist who awes and inspires many. While not of a long line of Ceramic artisans, he has certainly carved a niche for himself with his craft, and will always be recognized as a favorite of many. Although his 3 room Studio is smaller than many other manufacturers, Eugenio has all the tools he requires to repeatedly create some of the most vibrant pieces of art. Despite the fact that his ovens are smaller, his workbenches narrower and you may find no more than two painting his pieces before the 2nd firing: this matters not. His showroom is adorned with the most dazzling of blue-on-blue hues that will leave your senses exasperated with awe! There is a saying that goes...one cannot rush good wine..., and the works of Eugenio Ricciarelli are no exception to this rule. Specially created pieces take longer to create in his Studio, simply because each piece is deliberately taken from an infancy of Clay...through first and second firing...to ultimately a sheer and luxurious work of creation, inspired by Eugenio at each step. He neither rushes nor cuts any corners throughout the creation process. Many of the great artists limit their work to 4-5 hours as they have learned one cannot rush the process of creating these beautiful works. Despite all the years and experience even Eugenios hands can find fatigue with a brush. To this end, when Eugenio is not in his Studio he is serving with his family, community, or at the Soccer Field with his numerous friends to include Michele (Fima Deruta) and Franco (Franco Mari Majolica), whose studio he worked at for many years before striking out on his own.
FIMA Italian Ceramics
For over 40 years, FIMA has preserved the ancient traditions of using only the highest quality clay to create their masterpieces. Founder Pietro Fima's son-in-law Michele led us through a tour of his factory and presented us with an in-depth detail of how FIMA Ceramics are produced. Following the initial processing, the clay is compressed to remove any air bubbles to prevent expansion. We watched with awe as Massimo hand-shaped a seemingly uninspiring mound of clay into a beautifully manifested vase with supreme ease. After the clay items were dried completely, the items undergo a "first firing" in a kiln. Following this stage, each piece assumes a reddish-orange hue and is now referred to as a "biscotti". Michele then led us through the process of the glazing of the biscotti. A piece of biscotti is dipped twice in the white glaze which prepares it for painting. Careful attention is paid to ensure the glaze is thorough and even, and to make sure there are no air bubbles present on the surface of each piece. The items are then allowed to dry thoroughly in preparation for hand-painting. At FIMA, the ancient Deruta traditions of hand-painting each item are observed. Each piece has a corresponding stencil that serves as a master design to ensure likeness. However, each piece is still hand-painted and thus unique unto itself. Michele allowed us to view FIMA's skilled painters as they meticulously painted these works of beauty. When the painting of the item is completed, the trademark signature - or in some cases a special inscription - is applied to the bottom of the piece. After the application of a special glaze coat, it is then ready for the second or "final firing". Upon completion of the final firing, each piece is allowed to cool, and the end result is utterly amazing. The colors of the pieces were remarkably vivid and full, and serve as a fantastic example of what beauty results when the classic traditional forms are practiced by these skilled artisans!
Francesca Niccacci Collection
Francesca Niccacci studied 16th and 17th Century art with Romano Ranieri, a famous Deruta master, before beginning her own studio where she specializes in the Renaissance Period. She has combined this study with her love and passion for the works of the many artisans who came before her to create treasures of unparalleled beauty from that studio, Vecchia Deruta. Holding true to the ancient traditions, Francesca bases her work on clay refined from the fertile hills of Umbria. In keeping with the processes established by Renaissance artists, Francesca uses the five independent colors to mix and create the precise shades required to bring out the history, breath and life of her artwork. Our trip to Vecchia Deruta was both educational and heart-warming as we visited with Francesca and her husband Amilcare, and met their daughter Iva, who is an upcoming artisan in her own right. Francesca explained to us that she only follows the ancient traditions of Deruta in the creation of her Majolica. Each of her items is created by hand from start to finish, ensuring only the finest quality. Francesca?s designs are featured on a large array of Tile, Furniture, Vases and Tableware in Renaissance, ancient Deruta and 17th century styles. Francesca's education and accomplishments have earned her the credentials to be authorized to reproduce the masterpieces of the great Michelangelo as seen in the Sistine Chapel in Rome.
Franco Mari Majolica
Over the last 30 years, Franco Mari has combined the basics of classical Majolica creation with a modern vision to create a variety of stunningly beautiful styles of ceramics. His passion for his art, melded with his own inspiring vision, has brought to life some absolutely thrilling items of Majolica. On a recent visit to his showroom, Franco's wife Rita provided us with an in-depth review of the numerous lines and styles created by Franco. As we became familiar with the styles and details, we developed a similar fascination with the origins of some of the names used for his creations. For example, the Mesa Verde style was created during one of Franco?s visits to Colorado, and was inspired by the scenery and environment. His line of Gladys Alaska was named after a loyal client named Gladys who lives in Alaska. There proved to be many styles, colors and optional shapes to choose from with Franco Mari's creations. As Rita continued to show us more items, we noticed that many of the different lines compliment each other, and mixed-style table settings work just as well with those of a single design. This benefit facilitates choosing from different styles as one completes a collection. As the majority of Mari's items are made to order, it is common to have a signature or customized inscription on the bottom of the items. This is easily done with a small 10% charge for personalization.
L'Antica
L'Antica Deruta has been one of the superior Majolica manufacturers for years. Established over 50 years ago, the l'Antica Deruta artisans continue to produce some of the best hand-assembled products using age-old techniques originated from Roman times of Deruta and Umbria. During our visit with Georgio Moretti, third generation owner and current office manager, we discovered that the tiles used for the chairs and tables produced by l'Antica Deruta come solely from the Umbria and Tuscany countrysides. These tiles, used within the tables of the Cotto & Pietra collection, have already been tried and conditioned to withstand the test of the elements across time, and are suited for both soft indoor as well as rugged outdoor use. The hand-made decorations and inlaid works are a testament to the procedures established by the Masters of Deruta, and are unique and exclusive. These vintage, classic pieces are available in a wide variety of styles, shapes and sizes to suit a multitude of uses and applications both indoor and outside. Georgio indicated to us during our visit that due to the size and weight of his tables, transportation takes up to 2-3 months outside of Europe. However, after seeing these tables first-hand, we are certain that each is well worth the wait as they will last a lifetime!
