This is a somewhat obscure question, but perhaps someone has ideas. We are going to Sicily this fall and we are interested in pottery, especially that which is fired in a wood burning kiln. Do any of you know of locations/studios/kilns in Sicily that we could visit?
Posted by
Washington DC
27187 posts
I know nothing about the technology used, but I believe there is still pottery being made in and around Caltagirone, in the interior. Perhaps that will give you a bit of a lead.
Posted by
near San Francisco
4651 posts
My cousin and her husband own a ceramic shop/studio in Caltagirone. And his brother has his own shop there. Both storefronts (in the center of Caltagirone) are open to the public and you would be quite welcome to visit. The two brothers are the artists, decorating their pieces by hand in the traditional style of Caltagirone right there in their shops, so you might catch them at work.
My cousin's storefront is separate from their offsite production. I don't know if they use wood burning kilns, but will ask. He creates a modern take on the Teste di Moro, and I've seen him painting the more common style that you see in tourist shops. They do other pieces as well - kitchen items, lamps, vases, umbrella stands, etc. - which you can see examples of on their site to see if it's the type of work you are interested in. (I am not affiliated with their business....just happy to send you their way.)
http://www.gianlucaspinasanta.it/
Feel free to send a private message if you'd like further info.
Posted by
near San Francisco
4651 posts
My cousin tells me their studio uses an electric kiln, as do the commercial shops that she is aware of locally. She isn't aware of shops that may still be using wood-fired ceramic kilns.