And no, I’m not turning into a big old spider. But I’m going to be learning a little something about weaving and Umbrian textiles from a master when I’m in Italy in June.
I already know how to weave together stories (my detractors might suggest I weave lies.) Now, I’m turning to one of the masters of the loom, the talented Marta Cucchia of Giuditta Brozzetti in Perugia, to teach me something more concrete about the magnificent art of Umbrian textiles.
(Backtracking a bit here for those of us of who can’t keep all of the Greco-Roman myths straight. In mythology, Arachne was a skilled weaver who became so arrogant that she convinced herself she was more skilled than even Athena -- the goddess of wisdom, war AND the weaving arts. There was apparently some unpleasantness between them, which ended in Arachne becoming a spider, at least according to some versions of the myth.)
I’m not anticipating that this will happen to me during my 3-day workshop with Marta at her fantastic atelier in the deconsecrated church of San Francesco delle Donne in central Perugia. Instead, I hope to learn a great deal more about the long history and symbols of Umbrian textiles, and learn a bit about using a loom. I confess that at his point, I don’t know a warp from a woof. But I think that my time with Marta will help me to much better understand and appreciate this beautiful, and historic, art form.
I’ve purchased several of Marta’s hand-woven textiles, and I believe these are real works of art. We were introduced via my dear friend Mary Tacconi, a longtime supporter of Giuditta Brozzetti, the family-owned enterprise operated by Marta. I hope I’ll even be able to blog about the experience while I’m there!
Comments (12)
Oh Sandra, that sounds wonderful! How lucky you are to have this opportunity, I imagine it will be fascinating. I hope you get to make (and keep) something of your own.
And thanks for the myth refresher, I had forgotten that one. Those gods and goddess had no end of creativity when it came to vengeance!
Posted by Anne | April 9, 2010 11:11 AM
Posted on April 9, 2010 11:11
Hi Sandra, how exciting for you to have the opportunity to take a class with Marta. Marta's products looks so beautiful. I am looking forward to hearing about your experience. It was so interesting learning about the mythology of Archne too.
Thanks so much for sharing Marta's link. Enjoy the rest of your trip planning and have a wonderful weekend.
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | April 10, 2010 10:35 AM
Posted on April 10, 2010 10:35
Sandra,
This sounds great! I am sure you'll love it and learn so much.
Posted by Candi | April 11, 2010 7:17 AM
Posted on April 11, 2010 07:17
This sounds very exciting and such a creative outlet. PLEASE keep notes! And keep us abreast of your travels and this experience. I'm quite happy for this opportunity for you. I remember how fabulous those pieces were when you posted them a while ago. Kudos to you!
Posted by menehune | April 11, 2010 7:08 PM
Posted on April 11, 2010 19:08
Cool! I bet this will be a blast. I can't wait to hear all about it. Just spending time in that old church will be wonderful.
Posted by Annie | April 12, 2010 9:59 AM
Posted on April 12, 2010 09:59
Hi Anne, I'll have to be careful to not become too tempted by Marta's beautiful products while I'm there!
Thanks, Kathy, marta's products are really lovely and I hope I'll have an even deeper appreciation of her work after this course.
Thanks menehune, and Candi. I'm really looking forward to this -- and I hope I'll be able to get some Internet access and blog a bit while I'm there.
Annie, the church is a great venue for a workshop. I visited it for an hour or two 18 months ago, when I bought my first Brozzetti textile. I imagine it can get pretty uncomfortable in the middle of winter, being too big to heat properly. But in June, it should feel deliciously cool and light.
Posted by sandrac | April 12, 2010 1:36 PM
Posted on April 12, 2010 13:36
I used to weave (recently gave the last of my looms to my goddaughter), so I'll be looking forward to you report and photos!
Posted by Amy | April 12, 2010 4:51 PM
Posted on April 12, 2010 16:51
I know this is going to be an out of the world experience and I'll even get a first hand report!
Posted by letizia mattiacci | April 14, 2010 4:21 PM
Posted on April 14, 2010 16:21
Amy, I knew that you knit (so that you won't kill) but I didn't know that you weave. Maybe you'll have to visit Marta yourself sometime!
Hi Letizia! Perhaps you'll pop for some first-hand experience!
Posted by sandrac | April 14, 2010 9:21 PM
Posted on April 14, 2010 21:21
This sounds so cool! I am so glad you were able to set up this workshop. Three days! Sounds like it will be very interesting and a lot of fun.
Posted by girasoli | April 18, 2010 11:24 PM
Posted on April 18, 2010 23:24
Thanks, Girasoli, I hope that it will be fun. I'm looking forward to it.
Posted by sandrac | April 19, 2010 5:46 PM
Posted on April 19, 2010 17:46
Wow Sandra, this is awesome! I know how much you appreciate Marta's work so I know you will have an amazing time. And it would be wonderful if you'd blog about it!!
Posted by Chiocciola | April 25, 2010 11:25 PM
Posted on April 25, 2010 23:25