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Materahub, situated at the epicenter of the thriving artistic community in Matera, has emerged as a devoted patron of local talents, entrepreneurs and art enthusiasts. In its unwavering commitment to nurturing creativity and fostering community engagement, Materahub, thanks to the Creative Europe project CRAFTHUB, has developed an enlightening series of eight craft tutorials, each showcasing a unique facet of creativity and artistry.
Amidst the thriving artistic community of Matera, a remarkable group of eight creators has risen to prominence, each bearing their own unique artistic torch.
Uccio Santochirico, an artisan of papier-mâché, infuses life into his craft, intertwining it with sacred traditions and the ethereal world of angels. The experienced masters, Angelo Rizzelli and Vittorio Manno, dedicate their time and knowledge to mentoring and imparting the skills of printmaking to young, passionate artists by focusing on drypoint engraving. Judith Bube, an eco-printing virtuoso, artfully transforms nature’s beauty into textile masterpieces while unwaveringly upholding sustainability as her guiding principle. Benedetta Cutrone, better known as Cleocony, is an illustrator extraordinaire, weaving introspective themes into her digital tapestry. Meanwhile, the canvas comes alive under the skilled hand of Cinzia Logiudice, a painter who captures landscapes and emotions one brushstroke at a time.The creative ensemble extends further with Damiana Spoto, a designer for Le4uadre, who magically weaves enchanting stories into her textiles, inspired by the allure of landscapes and the rich palette of colors. Lela Campitelli, an orafa, masterfully crafts jewelry, melding metals into poetic forms that tell their tales. In parallel, Materia’s Lela Campitelli, with her exceptional metalworking prowess, molds the unexpected, showcasing that true beauty is not just in the result but in the very process itself. And finally, Ilenia Dragonetti who is a passionate wood art teacher with a deep love for the city of Matera and its unique clay craftsmanship, has dedicated herself to preserving and passing on the ancient art of creating bitonal ocarinas known as “Cuccù.”
These eight artisans contribute to the rich artistic tapestry of Matera, each bringing their unique magic to the community. Within the page of this article, we embark on a captivating journey to delve into a glimpse into the personal stories and motivations that propel these artisans in their dedicated pursuit of artistic excellence. The profound connection between these crafts and the rich cultural heritage of Matera will also be unveiled.
Sharing Technical Processes intertwined with Local Heritage
Papier-Mâché Craft by Uccio Santochirico
Uccio Santochirico, a master of papier-mâché, plays a significant role in preserving the traditional craft deeply intertwined with sacred art in Matera. This technique, closely linked to the religious heritage of the city, finds its expression through angels, among the most revered figures in Materan culture. The meticulous process of Uccio involves layering paper soaked in glue into plaster molds, emphasizing integral sustainability by incorporating paper scraps from various sources, including work created by disabled young adults from a social cooperative. The final product, painted and carefully finished, beautifully captures the essence of sacred art in Matera, thus reinforcing the cultural and religious heritage of the city. His work symbolizes the symbiotic relationship between papier-mâché and local spiritual traditions, ensuring the craft continues to be a guardian of the artistic legacy of Matera.
Drypoint Engraving by Grafica Via Sette Dolori
In the heart of iconic Sassi, the ‘Grafica Via Sette Dolori’ workshop stands as a testament to both tradition and craftsmanship. With over 40 years of experience, this association of engravers, led by masters Angelo Rizzelli and Vittorio Manno, generously imparts their wisdom to young, passionate artists. The art of printmaking, deeply rooted in the intaglio family, is a technique that bridges the past with the present. The meticulous process begins with the selection of the matrix and subject, offering personal choices intertwined with local heritage. The tool used by artists, reminiscent of a pen, etches the subject onto the matrix with calibrated precision, a practice that demands not only artistic skill but a profound sense of self-awareness. The matrix, once transformed, serves as the vessel for a tangible connection to the cultural roots of Matera. This craft is more than a technical endeavor; it is an intimate journey, where hours of study and meditation culminate in the lift of a cloth, revealing the embodiment of local heritage and artistic expression, a reflection of the enduring soul of Matera.
Eco Printing by Judith Bube
The eco-printing process by Judith Bube is a unique reflection of her profound connection to nature and her adopted home in Matera. Using leaves gathered from the local landscape, she infuses pigments onto fabrics, creating works that beautifully mirror the serene, natural beauty of the region. Her eco-printing technique not only captures the local landscape’s essence but also champions sustainability, a core value deeply embedded in the heritage of Matera. By exclusively employing local leaves, oak galls, and russet water in her traditional dyeing methods, Judith fosters a harmonious link between her art and the region’s natural bounty. This conscientious approach eschews more polluting alternatives in the artistic process, making her work a testament to the eco-conscious legacy of the region.
Digital Illustration by Benedetta Cutrone (Cleocony)
Benedetta Cutrone, known as Cleocony, is a digital illustrator whose artwork beautifully encapsulates her personal experiences, emotions, and introspection. Her creations predominantly feature female figures and personal elements that resonate with the emotional depth of her local surroundings in Matera. Through her masterful use of modern digital techniques, she not only shares her deep connection to her environment but also effectively captures the modern cultural context of Matera, which significantly influences her art. By integrating her life experiences and self-reflection into her creations, Cleocony continues the tradition of introspective storytelling..
Oil Painting by Cinzia Logiudice
The oil paintings of Cinzia Logiudice are deeply rooted in the history and cultural significance of the Matera region, serving as a contemporary reflection of the beauty and historical charm of the city. Her intimate connection with the landscapes in Matera inspires meticulous use of oil colors to capture the essence of both the surroundings in the city and the people who inhabit it. Her approach to painting not only reflects local heritage but also transcends representation to delve into the intricate task of conveying emotions within her work, a hallmark of the Materan tradition. This heritage places a significant emphasis on using art as a means of communicating the human experience and conveying the essence of the local surroundings, and Logiudice’s artwork continues this tradition by transferring her feelings onto the canvas.
Textile Design by Damiana Spoto (Le4uadre)
Damiana Spoto finds her inspiration for textile design work from the local environment of Matera and the region Basilicata, drawing from the architecture, landscapes and historical elements in the city to create designs that encapsulate its unique visual identity. Her commitment to using natural and sustainable materials is not only a reflection of the spirit of Matera but also a nod to the resourceful heritage of the city. The designs of Spoto often incorporate natural and organic forms, echoing the essence of local surroundings. She goes a step further in her artistic process by reusing offcuts and remnants to create metal collages, sensitive to the value of recycling and using available resources wisely. In this way, her work connects the past with the present, merging the visual identity of Matera with its enduring commitment to resourcefulness and sustainability.
Goldsmithing by Lela Campitelli (Materia)
The goldsmithing and metalworking of Lela Campitelli serve as a heartfelt tribute to the rich heritage of Matera by combining traditional goldsmithing techniques with influences from various artistic forms, such as painting and sculpture, seamlessly incorporating the aesthetics and symbols of the region into her jewelry. This harmonious fusion of tradition and contemporary influences ensures that Matera’s past and present coalesce in the form of exquisite wearable art. The creations done by Lela Campitelli not only reflect the historical roots of the city but also champion a sustainable lifestyle, exemplifying the enduring tradition of merging old-world craftsmanship with the modern, which is deeply cherished in Matera.
Cuccù by Ilenia Dragonetti
Ilenia’s artistry in crafting the Cuccù, a rooster-shaped bitonal ocarina, intricately combines technical expertise with the profound heritage of Matera. Beginning with the meticulous shaping of clay, her work embodies the spirit of historic Sassi. Traditional techniques and the use of barbotine clay cream in assembly reflect the enduring influence of the region. The Cuccù symbolizes fertility and prosperity and acts as a protective amulet, with historical ties as a gift to Materani children during Easter and as an engagement token in the 1960s, representing love and economic status. As such, the Cuccù serves not only as a technical marvel but as a tangible link to the heritage of Matera, preserving the history of the city and values through clay artistry, enriching the cultural identity of Matera.
The technical processes employed by these artisans in Matera not only showcase their exceptional skills but also breathe life into the city’s heritage. Their crafts are deeply rooted in the local culture and traditions, preserving and celebrating the history and beauty of Matera for generations to come. Through their work, they connect the past with the present and ensure that the city’s legacy endures in a rapidly changing world.
The creative passion behind the craft
These artisans are bound by their passion, dedication, and a deep well of inspiration that fuels their craft. Their stories provide a glimpse into the world of artisans and artists who are deeply committed to their work, showcasing how creativity can be a powerful force.
Lela Campitelli, a master goldsmith and metalworker, adeptly intertwines tradition and sustainability in her creation of unique, wearable art. Her journey emanates from a lifelong ardor for drawing, which gradually blossomed into a profound affinity for crafting jewelry that tells its own poetic story. Indeed, for Campitelli, the process of creation is nothing short of a ritual, one where minute details take precedence over formal outcomes. Her story underscores the inexhaustible beauty of crafting and the boundless allure of being a metal maestro.
In the world of intaglio printing, ‘Grafica Via Sette Dolori’ stands as an enduring testament to the intricate art of printmaking. Helmed by masters Angelo Rizzelli and Vittorio Manno, this hallowed establishment imparts the virtue of meticulous form study and unfaltering patience to their eager protégés. The enchanting process of engraving, which they orchestrate, is a testament to the age-old interplay between art and precision. As the ancient art form comes to life on the printing press, the importance of every minuscule detail is starkly evident. To the uninitiated, this may appear to be a meticulous endeavor, but it is, in reality, an elegant dance between form and consciousness, between ink and paper.
Uccio Santochirico, a seasoned papier-mâché artisan, merges sacred art with artistic expression in his workshop, a collaborative effort between the Oltre l’Arte Cooperative, the Sant’Antonio parish, and the broader community. Rooted in Matera’s papier-mâché tradition, Uccio’s work embodies sustainability, often incorporating paper scraps from other projects in collaboration with disabled young adults. He meticulously studies each creation, ensuring precise proportions and thematic elements are seamlessly integrated, resulting in sculptures adorned with carefully chosen shades and colors. Uccio believes in the power of art to engage the community, making his artistic journey a fulfillment not only of his dreams but those of the community around him.
From papier-mâché to drypoint engraving and eco-printing, these artisans pay homage to their individual and collective creative journeys. Judith Bube, with her eco-printing tutorial, unfolds a process born from her profound affinity for nature and the conscious choice to use organic materials, avoiding any semblance of pollution.
Benedetta Cutrone, known as Cleocony, channels introspection and emotion into her digital illustrations, crafting vivid expressions of her inner world. In her world of aesthetics, she has found a unique channel for personal expression.
Cinzia Logiudice, the painter, creates emotionally charged contemporary oil paintings, each a vivid tableau of landscapes and portraits. With her canvases, she offers an invitation to reflect on the profound meaning of emotion.
Damiana Spoto, a designer of exquisite watercolor patterns, immerses herself in her ‘woodland nymphs’ collection, infusing it with the beauty of natural and organic forms. Her artistic process seamlessly intertwines various creative languages and forms, resulting in an enchanting stole adorned with vivid tales spun from her profound inspiration.
Finally, the creative passion of Ilenia is deeply rooted in her love for Matera and its rich heritage. Her craft of creating bitonal ocarinas, specifically the Cuccù, is a testament to her commitment to preserving and sharing the cultural and historical significance of the city. Her dedication to working with clay, despite initially considering it a cold material compared to wood, reflects her passion for its versatility and the potential it holds for crafting unique, traditional objects.
In the heart of Matera, eight artisans are preserving and enriching the rich cultural heritage of the city. Their dedication to tradition and innovation ensures the legacy of Matera lives on, inspiring creativity for generations to come. These artisans exemplify the enduring artistic spirit of the city, harmoniously blending tradition and contemporary expression. They are a testament to the resilience of the creative heritage of Matera and the timeless beauty of artistic endeavors.