Since ancient times, Italy has been in love with ceramics and in the last hundred years, the Amalfi Coast has emerged as a major center for Italian ceramics. The red clay of Italy, mixed richly with limestone, creates the perfect medium for pottery making.
Ceramics are characterized by the vibrancy of colors, often reflecting the blue of the see and the golden sunshine. Visitors from all over the world take home pieces of this pottery to decorate their own homes across the globe. Here’s what you should know about this unique and captivating art form.
History
Long ago, when Italy was part of the Roman Empire, ceramic pottery was a widely-used everyday household object. It didn’t matter if you were a slave or the emperor, you would use pottery every day. Although this tradition has decreased somewhat over the years, ceramics are still a popular art form in many parts of Italy. The most famous place for ceramics is certainly the Amalfi Coast. The long tradition of modern Amalfi Coast ceramics can be traced back to the 15th Century and by the 18th Century, the town of Vietri sul Mare had emerged as a leader in the ceramic arts field. This industry began to draw hundreds of artists to the region, catalyzing the production of ceramics for both practical and aesthetic purposes up and down the coast.
Method and Uses
The base of Amalfi Coast ceramics is red European clay. This clay, which usually contains limestone, is shaped by a potter and fired. After the pot is cooled, it is dipped into a while coating so that the colors of the design can stand out, free of red undertones. Next, the pottery goes to the hands of the artists. Some artists work for themselves, while others are part of a ceramics factory. Designs are traced lightly onto the piece, and then the painters carefully outline their designs. Finally, the artists fill in the colors with paints usually made of natural materials and mixed to the proper tone by hand. Finally, it is fired again to create a shiny exterior.
There are many uses for Amalfi Coast ceramics. Many buildings in the region are either partially or completely decorated with painted ceramic tiles on their outer walls. Some people tile their kitchens or use ceramics for practical purposes, such as tableware, vases, and bowls. Of course, some are purely decorative, like statues and other artistic pieces.
Where to Buy
While most ceramics sold along the Amalfi Coast are handmade in factories, there are some artists who create and sell their own works. Giuseppe Guarracino, a.k.a. Sosò, has his workshop and showroom into a small tower in the heart of Positano (viale Pasitea, 51). His works are distinguishable by their big, white perforated lines or bright colors that evoke tradition.
https://www.facebook.com/SOSO-189349637779124/
Paolo Sandulli is another ceramic artist in the same area. His most popular works are female busts with shy smiles and hair made of anything from cactus to sea sponge!
The most important thing when it comes to buying ceramics is to focus on what catches your eye and what makes you fall in love. After all, this is art, and it’s meant to be enjoyed and cherished.