Master Ceramist: Nonno Giuseppe
At 85 years old, Giuseppe is the last master of a unique Grottaglie ceramic technique. We shadow him for a day to learn about his dedication to the craft and his mission to teach the youth.
Grottaglie has been the heart of Puglian ceramics for centuries. The town's 'Quartiere delle Ceramiche' (Ceramics Quarter) is filled with workshops carved into the rock.
At 85, Nonno Giuseppe is a living legend in these streets. He is the last remaining artisan to practice 'sgraffito antico', a technique that involves scratching intricate patterns into the clay surface before firing.
'Clay has a memory,' Giuseppe explains as he works the wheel with weathered hands. 'It remembers the water, the fire, and the hands that shaped it.'
Despite his age, Giuseppe refuses to retire. He now runs a small academy, taking on young apprentices to ensure his techniques survive. His story is a testament to the enduring power of traditional craftsmanship.