It's hidden in there

What is that?
It's easy! Come on!

Right, it's paper.
BUT...
Last week in my blog "It's a kind of Magic" I was talking about what the great Michelangelo used to say: "the sculpture is already into the block of marble. The artist must only free it".

Well. Whichever thing I do to take out of this paper sheet a masterpiece this is the best I can do

It flies veeeery well, it's landing smoothly but it's far away from being a masterpiece.

In Apulia, the region I talked about in "Heaven", there is someone that even from such a simple and straight forward paper sheet is able to create something exceptional.
The "Cartapesta" (Papier-mache).

For its “cartapesta” and artistic craftsmanship, Lecce can be considered as one of the major cities in Italy. This cultural heritage is strictly linked to historical developments during the 17th and 18th centuries, right in the middle of the triumph of Baroque architecture.

“Cartapesta” began as a symbolic, sacred art in honour of Lecce, which was then the most sanctified city of the southern region of the Kingdom of Naples, owing to its great number of churches and convents.
During the following decades, the production of “cartapesta” embraced symbolic figures of every kind, such as those representing the lives of ordinary people.

It is in such an environement, full of history and legacy, that Claudio Riso has revived this ancient art, with his skilful use of simple and modest materials.

You can find all the "Made in Italy" features (what I really like) in the workshop:  - Il laboratorio del Maestro Claudio Riso is a family owned workshop, it has more of 25 years of experiences and all its products are hand-made and delicate.

You can see the "Sacred Art" (Nativity, angels) associated to local social life (who is producing wine, card players).



But he can also create customized products based on the special requirements or events. The Cartapesta is recognized as an artistic product.
You can find all the masterpieces in Claudio Riso's workshop (it: il Laboratorio di Cartapesta di Claudio Riso) where, during the year, he always gives « Cartapesta's lessons » to students who come in Lecce.

How is he able to do that?
Have a look at this video. You will be surprised.
Again a great story of:
-Talent
-Passion
-Immagination
the reasons why Italians are (or should be...) known around the world.