We
have posted four videos on the Villaggio Ceramics website so you can experience
for yourself some of the wonderful artistry that we enjoy when we visit our Italian Majolica artisans' studios!
Watch Claywork:
The
elegance in handmade Italian Ceramics begins with the clay. The finest artisans use lead-free clay,
originating in the Umbrian and Tuscan hillsides. This raw clay is compressed numerous times before making
it's way to the potter's wheel table for sculpting.
Watch
FIMA artisan Massimo work this piece with minimal tools--a scraper, small bowl
of water, wet sponge as well as a section of wire for cutting are all he
requires. His years of experience have honed his skills to the point where
measurements are nearly unnecessary.
Watch Biscotti
After
the work at the Potter's Wheel is completed, the pieces undergo what is known
as the "First Firing", where the clay is baked in an oven at temperatures
exceeding 1000 degrees. Upon
cooling, the Clay assumes a reddish color -- these items are referred to as
"Biscotti".
Watch Glazing:
Following
the cool-down period, the piece is ready for Glazing. This step is where the pottery begins the transformation
from pottery to ceramic. This
process is never rushed, as only the appropriate amount of glaze is used during
this step. When the piece has
dried, it will yield the canvas on which the skilled artists will begin to
draw and hand-paint their magnificent designs.
Watch Painting:
It is
the painting stage that allows for the most flexibility in the creative
process. The Italian artists use colors
derived from only organic sources.
Primary colors must be mixed to yield any secondary colors.
Each
painter has their own technique for stabilizing their painting hand to reduce
any mistakes in the painting process.
The painting is a time-perfected process that is accurate and focused,
yet slow enough for artistic expression.
Upon
completion, the painted pieces are fired a second time in the ovens, and when
they emerge they render the most beautiful and vibrant pieces you see for many,
many years to come!! Molto Bella!
Leave a comment