I enjoy watching local Italians at work, and this Vietri ceramic artisan pauses just long enough for me to meet her. I am mesmerized as I watch Anna Rita hand paint a ceramic plate with precision.
Do you enjoy meeting local artisans in Italy? I’d love to hear about your experiences. Please leave a comment.
Grazie and Ciao
You read more about Anna Rita in my latest book about Italy, My Amalfi Coast Love Affair, available in paperback and digital formats. Soon to be an audiobook.
Bonnie Davis
The article and the confirmation of those commenting on their like experiences are a pleasure to read. Here things are so fast and furious we seldom get to see the care and pride of craftsmen. So glad that it is not an entirely lost art.
margieinitaly
You are so right, Bonnie. This is exactly why I treasure the personal experiences I’ve had with Italians. Each has a story to tell if you’re willing to listen. A true gift!
Albert Annunziata
About 10 years ago we visited my father’s hometown of Sarno, Provincia Salerno. My father’s youngest brother, Bruno (Zio Bruno) gave me a gate or cancello key to duplicate at a local locksmith in town. The shop was no more that 8-feet wide and maybe 10-12 feet deep, set in from the street. It reminded me of the remnants of ancient market min-shops that one sees in Pompei. There was one solitary, elderly man whom I gave the key to. In my halting mish-mosh of Italian and Neapolitan, I indicate that it was for my Zio Bruno who needed a copy made. Slowly, deliberately, almost reverentially, he handled the key as if it were a relic, examining it closely then “matching” it to a large basketball-sized hoop of master keys. He then disappeared into a tiny side room where I heard some hammering, grinding. After 10 minutes he came out with the copy, examining it again and polishing any remaining rough edges with a fine steel brush. It was wonderful to watch! The care and attention that man gave my uncle’s key left an indelible impression on me as to pride in one’s work and the skill gained from years of experience. How could I not admire that?
margieinitaly
This is such a heartwarming story, Alberto. Thank you for sharing with such detail. Once again it proves how these Italians take so much pride in their craft. I love this because it seems to be woefully missing in cultures like here in the US
Matthew Alessandro De Bellis
Yes Margie, stopping and chatting with Italian artisans was a favorite pastime when I lived in Rome. I used to pass by and chat with a sculptor in via Sant’Agata in Rome, in the Rione Monti neighborhood. He was from Sardegna and worked large stones into pure, polished beauty. His name was Francesco, but I called him “Maestro.”
margieinitaly
Thanks so much for this story, Matthew. Francesco sounds like a true artisan. I’m always touched by how much pride each of them feels in what they do. Such a wonderful experience!