Greatness is chronological, quantitative, and caereful
When one leaves Rome, depending on whether they’re from it or not, they can carry its ancient traditions and artistic styles with them. It’s a form of immense respect to keep these art styles alive. I think this could preserve history and resources. Many cultures lose parts of their history because of the dilemma between gatekeeping and exploiting it, but some respect and reproduce this art, which is an accurate call and response to the craftsmen that came before them. For example, our art demo with Roberto was a good example of how even maintaining the use of blending water with clay and the timing of the dipping and drying technique is fascinating, and based on the number of pieces in his shop, I’m curious if they’re all made by him, how long they took over the years, how they are properly packaged and transported to exhibitions. We spoke a little about the process of the kiln, and how it is possible to see the pots from the outside
Something I found distinctive about Etruscan art is the way it is made. i learned a little bit about the kiln and the steps it takes to create ancient pottery a few years ago, but never imagined I’d get to see the real photos and product preserved so well. What stood out to me the most was that there was no carving, but more so layering of clay that created a bumpy surface along the lines. It made me realize that the mirrors we took a look at a couple of days before were gifted to women at weddings.
What I also found beautiful was the reproduction of this art and how it can form contemporary/modern art. I think it’s so special when someone is focused and uses formal teaching to create their own personal anecdote of culture; we get to see the best of both worlds. SO i am absolutely itching to pour this concept of studying the craft and then, once experimenting more, learning to create my own art and just being an honest craftsman. I think art for me has always come like second nature, that’s only half of it though. I think the other half is really learning how, for example, the ancients carefully painted lines with whisker brushes, for example. That could be me staying in standard tunings and studying the basics. Before resistance, there needs to be instruction because if there is no structure to the art we each make, it may just keep us stuck in circles, saying the same thing, or just not even knowing what we are saying. Homage is brave.
As noted in Jean McInotosh Turf’s article, The Etruscans, these pots were used for many things: wine, ore, and food. They are very dark and seem very strong. “While some Etruscan products, like metals, may no longer be recognizable, others remain distinctive, such as the black,reduction-fired “bucchero” pottery made from ca. 650BCinto the early fifth century with abundant regional variations.” Some variations of bucchero pottery are even in Roberto’s shop and I got a small tea cup for a family member.
Rome via Brooklyn 
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