La Cartapesta di Claudio Riso

Step into a world where paper becomes stone. We are in the workshop of Claudio Riso, one of the premier master artisans of 'Cartapesta'—the traditional paper-mache of Letch-ay. …

Every great sculpture begins with a hidden structure. In Cartapesta, this is called the 'anima' or soul. …

While the body is made of paper, the most expressive parts—the face, hands, and feet—are often made of terracotta. These are sculpted separately with great care, capturing the wrinkles of an old man or the serene gaze of a…

Now we reach the most characteristic phase: the 'vestizione' or dressing. This is where the paper comes in. …

Let’s talk about the 'pongo-la' and the coloring. The glue is vital; it must be strong enough to hold the shape but not so brittle that it cracks. …

Claudio Riso’s workshop is a 'bottega' in the truest sense. As the transcripts tell us, Claudio and his brothers began their journey by 'pulire a terra'—sweeping the floors—as teenagers in the shop of the famous master Malecore. …

Close your eyes for a second and just listen. You’ll hear the soft tearing of paper, the rustle of straw, and perhaps the low hum of a radio or the brothers' conversation in the local dialect. …

As we leave the Riso workshop, we take with us a new appreciation for the humble materials that create such divine beauty. Claudio Riso and his family are not just makers of statues; they are guardians of a story that defines…