Sat, Jul 11th, 2015 ART IN CERTALDO, ITALY
Certaldo is a small Tuscan town nestled between Florence and Sienna. It's ancient sister, Certaldo Alto (up on the hill) is a relic from the 1200's and a spectacular feast for the eyes. One of our excursions will take the group there.
The school is a 15 minute drive up the winding road into the hills. The views are picture perfect and the gate of La Meridiana is a visual preview for what's to come. Pietro has owned this land and run this school for more than 30 years. An engineer turned potter, he remains always the visionary.
Each student is assigned a room much like my room - a one bedroom apartment in a renovated old farmhouse. The sunrises in front of my room and sets over the kiln area. Though it's hot here this summer, a warm breeze keeps the bugs at bay and the temperature bearable.
Sculptors and potters have walked this land, wedged clay at these tables and donated their creations to La Meridiana for 2 decades. A walk down any path always surprises and delights for what art piece might be found in Pietro's garden paradise.
