Experience Sicily

Category: Ceramics

  • Ageless Beauty

    Pictured are terracotta female figurines from the 3rd century BC, from Sicily, yet specific origins are unknown. Photographed in Palermo’s Palazzo Branciforte museum and cultural center.

  • Raise a Tambourine

    Ceramic plate with tarantella dancers from Santo Stefano di Camastra, now in my living room in New York City 

  • Pomegranates and the Cycle of Life and Death

    Autumn marks the time of year when Persephone bids her mother Demeter goodbye, and she returns to the Underworld to join her husband Hades–an ancient myth that explains why we have seasons. Annually when Persephone descends into the depths of the Earth and winter comes upon us, she brings with her the seeds of the…

  • Sicily’s Red Ceramics

    These ceramic tiles, which are painted in the classic style of artisans from Santo Stefano di Camastra, were purchased by my friend Jodi during our time together in Sicily in May. She plans to put them over her kitchen stove. Imagine having a piece of Sicily to look at each time you stir your sauce?

  • Sicilian Fiat 500

    There are many treasures in Castelvetrano, and this Fiat 500, painted by Ceramiche Galfano in the style of the Sicilian carts, is one of them. Therefore, on your way to or from Selinunte archaeological park, be sure to leave some extra time to stop by to visit this masterpiece!  Galfano has ceramic miniatures for sale…

  • Ceramics in Erice

    Ceramics display in Erice at L’Artgianato di Dorotea  

  • Life is a Banquet

    I’m getting ready to go to Sicily today … and this is what I’m thinking about: Banqueting! Stirring Sicily, our hands-on cooking experience starts in 12 hours! This late 6th century BC statuette of a banqueting figure on a bed is housed in Palermo’s Museo Archeologico Salinas. It was found in a Punic (AKA Carthaginian)…

  • Absolutely Genius 

    For something extraordinary and off-the-beaten path, I recommend a visit to Le Stanze al Genio (The Rooms to the Genius), a collection of majolica ceramic floor tiles focused on designs from Naples and Sicily that were produced from the end of the 16th century to the beginning of the 20th century. Housed in the 17th-century…

  • Salt to Taste 

    I love when art and utility meet. Here’s my salt holder, which is over my stove in New York City, made by Palermo ceramica artist, Nino Parrucca. Of course, it’s filled with sea salt from Trapani! Just lift the door, and salt to taste.