Thursday, November 10, 2011

I'm in Hog Heaven



When I can be in Deruta




Where more than 200 ceramic shops line the Via Tiburina at the foot of  centro storico.





At the top, the historic center of Deruta, you will find the Museo Regionale dell Ceramica, the most important Museum of its kind in the region. You enter the historic center through the Porta di S. Michele Arcangelo, where  remains of early furnaces are evident.





 I love strolling through the historic center, early in the morning,  when shopkeepers are sweeping their sidewalks and shouting to each other.  Then I can admire their beautiful work.





Antique reproductions are my favorite ceramics. 






Hand painted ceramic tiles are found everywhere in Deruta.





Facades, window and door surrounds, sidewalks, fountains, garden walls...everywhere.





There is so much to admire.





Modern ceramics based on ancient designs.   





Artisans from Deruta have been painting their special ceramics for over 300 years.





Maestro Romano Ranieri

The highlight of my visit is always an  invitation to  paint with Professore Nicola Boccini and Maestro Romano Ranieri at the Scuola d' Arte, Deruta.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQktRiOKka4


Gina
http://ginaceramics.blogspot.com/2011/05/first-day-of-class.html


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26 comments:

  1. German GemsNovember 10, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    Gorgeous. I can see where you get your inspiration.

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  2. GeorgiannaNovember 10, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    Hello dear Gina! What a sumptuous visual feast this post is! I just keep looking at the images over and over. Deruta is not on the route we hope to take through Italy next year but you've really got me thinking about adding it in. I can see why it fuels your passion so.

    I hope you are well and enjoying a beautiful autumn. Thank you for stopping by – always a treat to hear from you. xo – g

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  3. FrancesNovember 10, 2011 at 7:18 PM

    Deruta is a place that I know I would love to visit, and wonder if this will ever happen. I have a beautiful little vase from Deruta, brought back to me by a friend many years ago.

    I look at that vase every so often to remind myself of a dream.

    Your photos are splendid, and I can learn much from the use of colors in those ceramics. Lucky you to be there and to have the opportunity to learn more while you are there from masters.

    Best wishes.

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  4. GinaNovember 11, 2011 at 5:06 AM

    Hello German Gems, Thee is nothing like seeing and touching the real thing. Yes, it is inspirational.

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  5. GinaNovember 11, 2011 at 5:14 AM

    Dear Georgianna, There is so much to see in that part of Umbria; Assisi, Spello, Spoletto, Perugia, Todi, and so much more. It may have to be a separate trip.
    Thank you so much for your lovely comments. I am so pleased that you liked this post. Gina

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  6. GinaNovember 11, 2011 at 5:16 AM

    Dear Frances, What is so very special about hand painted ceramics is that the colors stay as vibrant today as they were when they were painted 300 years ago.

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  7. Mark D. RuffnerNovember 12, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    WOW! These images are all so gorgeous. The grouping of four, with the shield and the grapes at center, I find q`especially visually exciting. You must be in heaven when you visit Deruta! I hope you'll share more of your time with Maestro Romano Ranieri.

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  8. CarolNovember 13, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    Beautiful. I love the Deruta ceramics. Enjoyed your post!

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  9. black eyed susans kitchenNovember 13, 2011 at 6:38 PM

    I love this pottery and have a few pieces myself. The mosaics are beautiful and I can see where your inspiration came from.

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  10. ~Lavender Dreamer~November 13, 2011 at 6:39 PM

    Very beautiful! WOW! I've never seen anything like these! ♥

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  11. MaryNovember 13, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    Oh my goodness, what a marvelous post! Thanks so much for sharing this beauty on MM. :)

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  12. A Garden of ThreadsNovember 13, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    So colourful. Stunning artwork!!!

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  13. Thoughtfully Blended HeartsNovember 13, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    Wow...so special...color and design gives this art a special "something"....

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  14. LaPouyetteNovember 16, 2011 at 4:11 AM

    Fantastic! You must have felt like being in the ceramic heaven!
    Beautiful images and interesting info!
    Thank you, Gina.
    xxxkarin

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  15. GinaNovember 18, 2011 at 5:49 AM

    Hello Mark, I wish that I could spend more time in Deruta.

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  16. GinaNovember 18, 2011 at 5:49 AM

    Thank you Carol and please come back for another visit. Gina

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  17. GinaNovember 18, 2011 at 5:50 AM

    Hi Black Eyed Susan...It is easy to love the colorful ceramics from Italy isn't it.

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  18. GinaNovember 18, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    Hi Lavender, Deruta can be overwhelming. It is all about ceramics.

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  19. GinaNovember 18, 2011 at 5:53 AM

    Hi Mary, Thank you for letting me be part of MM.

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  20. GinaNovember 18, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    Hello Garden of Threads, So nice of you to come by for a visit.

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  21. GinaNovember 18, 2011 at 5:55 AM

    Hello Thoughtfully, What is amazing about ceramics is their longevity...their colors never fade, even after hundreds of years.

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  22. GinaNovember 18, 2011 at 5:57 AM

    Dear Karin, No trip to Italy is complete without a stop at the Scuole d' Arte Ceramica in Deruta. I is always exciting.

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  23. UnknownDecember 3, 2011 at 11:33 PM

    Neat post!

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  24. Chari at Happy To DesignDecember 4, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Hi Gina...

    Ohh my...I would be in heaven too...if I were able to visit Deruta! What a beautiful place soooo much eye candy! Thank you for sharing this lovely post and visit with us for the Sunday Favorites party today, Gina!

    Hope you're having a super Sunday!
    Chari

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  25. GinaDecember 5, 2011 at 6:42 AM

    Hi Jo, Thanks for your visit. I'm so glad you liked this little journey.

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  26. GinaDecember 5, 2011 at 6:44 AM

    Hello Chari, And thank you for letting me be part of your lovely Sunday Favorite Posts. Have a wonderful holiday.

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