There are still skilled craftsmen and artisans working in Venice, and I met two of them in one day.
The first is a fabbro ferraio (favro in Venetian, it seems), that is, a worker in iron, a blacksmith. I noticed his shop in a narrow calle in Castello because of his window display.
Models of Rialto Bridge and San Marco
Further examples of the work he does
The favro is Primo Bollani, and this is his cramped workshop.
Primo Bollani, (blacksmith) Castello, 5567
I really plead with you to look at his website, to gain some appreciation of what he has done, and is trying to achieve.
www.elferonovo.com http://www.elferonovo.com/uk/indexuk.htm (English version)
I crossed the Rialto Bridge to do some wandering in San Polo, and met another delightful, unassuming artist, Giovanni Vio. He has a tiny shop outlet on Calle de la Madoneta, 1459 to display some of the many ceramic and terracotta items he has made, and offers for sale.
My modest purchase
Giovanni has a studio on the Lido, where he does his work, and also gives lessons to those wanting to learn this art form. He also does restoration work, a skill learned from his father and grandfather.
He is the grandson of Romano Vio, a Venetian sculptor born 100 years ago. A tribute to him is currently on in Venice, until 26 aprile.
Again, I urge you to have a look at Giovanni’s website (also available in English). www.vioartfactory.com
These two hard-working talented men (and others like them) deserve more attention (and customers); please help keep their art alive!
Hello World 