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Whenever I travel in Italy throughout the artisans’ shops, I really notice the strong historical legacy of these people by looking at their workshops.
The attached picture is of a shoe repair shop in the South of Italy that gave me the spark to write this article.
International Workers’ Day (also known as May Day) is a celebration of the international labor movement and left-wing movements. It commonly involves organized street demonstrations and marches by working people and their labor unions throughout most of the world. May 1 is a national holiday in more than 80 countries. It is also celebrated unofficially in many other countries. While it is not a national holiday in the US,
Have you ever been caught in a long line while traveling and had no idea how long you would have to wait?
…and then wished you had a way to avoid the long line?
Where is the largest international furniture design show held every year?
In a time when the trend is towards mass-produced consumer goods, Elisa Giampietro, an Italian ceramicist, quietly bucks the trend, creating beautiful, hand-made wood stoves in the tradition of the Castellamonte area of Piemonte - Italy.
The design principles behind the Castellamonte stoves are based on hundreds of years of tradition in Italy, yet it is a product that is distinctly modern because our sources of energy are increasingly limited, and somehow, inexplicably, traditional solutions like the wood stove have become practical once again. The workshop where these designs are produced is tucked away in the picturesque area of Canavese, in the Northeast part of Piedmont.
No two items are identical and that is by design since each stove is hand-made. In the time-honored tradition, each stove is elaborated with the mix of dedication and creativity that is required for all good artisan products. In fact, that philosophy of craftsmanship permeates all of the products that the ceramicist creates, from the high-end stoves to ceramic jewelry; each creation expresses that wonderful blend of attention to detail and passion.
Her company is also conscious of the need to evolve and explore new products that provide contemporary value, while preserving the timeless aesthetic perspective. For example they are developing the concept of heating panels, which illustrate that point very well. There will be more on that topic at a later time.
Perhaps the ceramicist herself sums up her work best with this quote:
“Basically we are an “endangered species” to be put under protection… destined to disappear in this world that appears focused only on the “cost” of things, rather than their value”
(In fondo siamo una “specie in via di estinzione” da mettere sotto tutela … destinati a scomparire in questo mondo dove è soltanto più il “prezzo” delle cose piuttosto che il loro valore ad esser preso in considerazione).
Ci sentiamo presto!
Lina
The operas of Puccini are loved the world over. America is no exception to the rule. In fact at least two his operas, Madama Butterfly and Fanciulla del West have themes that relate directly to American culture.
What can possibly compete with the super-bowl for your attention? The inescapably gripping tragedy of a young woman who is robbed of her social position, her husband, her son, virtually everything… except her dignity.
(Photo by Duane Morris courtesy of the Portland Opera)
The opera music of Puccini offers something to every type of audience. 
As a newcomer to opera, Puccini’s music is accessible, beautiful and engaging. As a seasoned opera-lover, the music offers all of that along with
It has been ninety years since Enrico Caruso last sung, but his legacy lives on. First his son, and now his grandson, great grandson and his great, great
My first “LEGO” was the Presepio, which may be art yet tradition.
Now, before I get too far ahead and lose the readers, I want to
Authorized by Enrico Caruso Museum of America in New York City
Vi piace la musica di Caruso?
When I published the article on Italian Opera I wanted to complement the article with some sound clips so people can listen for themselves and see what they think of his singing style. It took me a couple of days to find some clips that I like, but I also found one unexpected benefit: I found a great web site about Enrico Caruso.
Since publishing this article, I heard back from Cav. Uff. Aldo Mancusi, Founder & President of the Enrico Caruso Museum of America in New York City. He has graciously authorized us to use the wonderful photos of Caruso and the featured music clip of Caruso singing from his site. In addition, I found some other recordings of Caruso’s music that I liked and I wanted to share to give an idea of his voice.
So, now you can hear Caruso for yourself!
I look forward to hearing from you to see what you think.
Here is the link to the Caruso Museum site for future reference. It looks like it would be a great addition to a trip to New York city: http://enricocarusomuseum.com/
Ciao
Lina
I had grown up with classical music and was admittedly somewhat of a classical music snob. I felt that opera was too esoteric for my taste until one day in my mid-thirties I heard Enrico Caruso sing. That experience rocked my world!
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