The Artist

We are blessed to know a true artist here in Palermo, Sorella Piampiano.  There are many artists here, I even feel like Italians are blessed with the gift of artistry.  Sorella Piampiano has her own ceramic business and sells Sicilian ceramics. Her main focus is on wall hangings of fruits and flowers.

Sorella Piampiano

Formed and waiting to be fired

One morning a few weeks ago, we drove up to Monreale looking for her.  We wanted to visit her and a couple of other members.  We had been to her home a couple of times but someone else always took us, this time we were wandering on our own.

Now you wouldn't think that would be that big of deal but addresses aren't always perfect here; sometimes the address is completely wrong and sometimes the directions are wrong.  We parked the car and started to walk down the street.  I knew Sorella Piampiano home was close and we stumbled across it while she was working in her ceramic studio. Her studio is in the garage and her home is above the studio.

Many of her designs at various stages

What luck because we were able to see her in action, her kiln, and several items in various stages of production.

The kiln

Forming leaves

She showed us how she made things look so realistic by using a lettuce leaf over and over again for the lines in leaves.

Also in just the matter of minutes she formed a perfect rose.

The rose in the works

In minutes this rose was ready

We loved see her at work and even got a pranzo appointment from the stop.  Sorella Piampiano is one of our favorites among the many here. She was one of the first members we were introduced to.