I believe that strolling around a town is the best way to really experience a town. So that is exactly what I did to get to know Tortora a bit more. Ok, it’s quite an easy job as Tortora is pretty small. Nevertheless I took my photo camera with me and headed off for the streets of Tortora. Pretending not to notice all the Tortoresi watching this Dutch intruder, I carried along the steep, narrow streets enjoying the most magnificent views Tortora has to offer, the delicious smells that surround you and the loud but cheerful chatting of the locals. After taking a quick look in the main church where 2 lovers promised one another eternal love I noticed this note that was attached to a door: “Ceramiche Artistiche di Giuseppe Limongi – To visit the workshop ask at the nearby groceries store.” This intrigued me immediately. So back home I asked Luca if we could visit this workshop of Mr. Limongi. As befits a small village, Luca knew this gentleman and we stopped by the groceries store. Mr. Limongi immediately asked me if I was photographing Tortora earlier…I told you, I got noticed… After a quick get-to-know-eachother chat he showed us his workshop. And even got us a demonstration of this unique profession.
And the finishing touch… After this it needs to dry. In the summer it could dry even in one day. In winters it takes a bit longer obviously. Then it goes into the oven at 1000°C and afterwards it needs to cool down. It then gets the red terracotta colour. He makes all of them different so you always have a unique handmade piece of art! You can even ask him for a special design. Obviously it takes at least a week before it’s finished. If I’d known this from day one I would definitely asked him for a ‘special’ plate. Well, next time!!
Maestro Ceramista – Giuseppe Limongi - Vico I Garibaldi 2, Tortora (CS) CALABRIA
You can contact Mr. Limongi via phone: 0039-0985-75274 or 0039-348-9832724. You must speak Italian though. If you need my help, I’m more than willing to help you. Just send me an email!
Thank you for sharing these pieces. I love the visual aspect of the pottery being made, start to finish.
Hi Sarah, you’re more than welcome! I agree with you and it’s also wonderful to see someone who loves what he’s creating!!
Ciao!
I love watching an artist at work, what a nice find for you
It was…and so unexpected…that’s the best!!
It really is nice to see this.
I love this and I love old stores… there aren’t alot of small “mom and pop” stores here in the U.S. anymore but there are some. I love them. Love this post too.
Thanks Christi…you’re right! And I also love to see someone passionate about his work!!
I agree with you about strolling a town–and what a wonderful find! It is a pleasure to see an artist at work, isn’t it?
That’s the fun, you discover beautiful things where I could easily have missed it if not paying enough attention…happy I did!! And yes, it’s beautiful to see someone passionate about his work!!
Great photos of the process and the finished art – beautiful!
Thank you very much, as well as for visiting my blog
Happy you appreciate this art as much as I do!!
Amazing, nice to see that some old professions still exist
Totally agree…it was a nice surprise to see him work in Tortora!!