TRADITIONS AND CRAFTS Archivi - pino codispoti photographer

Golden threads of the phlegraean fields: the embroiderers guarding Bacoli’s tradition

PiCo — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:23:34 +0000

Hands are a people’s oldest memory, capable of weaving stories and safeguarding the deep identity of a territory. In Bacoli, a gem nestled between the Phlegraean lakes and the deep blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea, this memory lives on every day. Indeed, it survives through the skillful gestures of its extraordinary embroiderers of Bacoli.

An Act of Love for Campania’s History
Creating a cross-stitch or a refined cutwork is not merely a technical task. On the contrary, theirs is a true act of love toward history. The embroiderers of Bacoli are the silent heirs to an ancient artisanal tradition. This heritage is deeply rooted in the heart of Campania, where every canvas becomes a stage for local symbols.

Furthermore, the geometric and floral motifs imprinted on the fabrics are never random. Instead, they explicitly recall the unique beauty of the territory:

Ancient Roman ruins emerge as inspiration from the nearby archaeological site of Baia.

Chromatic shades and golden reflections mirror the changing waters of Lake Miseno.

Consequently, each textile creation becomes a true visual hymn to local beauty.

Inside the Houses of the “Mastre”: A “Golden Thread” Between Past and Future
This tradition does not live in cold shops. Instead, it beats within the intimate heart of the town. It is precisely within the walls of their own homes that the mastre (master embroiderers) and elderly women guard the secrets of the craft. By opening their doors, they transform living rooms and courtyards into true living workshops for younger generations.

Crossing the threshold of these homes means immersing oneself in an atmosphere suspended in time. Here, the thread used is not just ordinary cotton or precious silk. It actually transforms into a “golden thread” capable of inextricably linking the past to the future. As a result, this bond keeps the art of traditional embroidery alive through generational passage.

Today, these guardians of the Phlegraean tradition do not limit themselves to creating unique collector’s pieces. They still make heirlooms, finely crafted linens, and contemporary fashion accessories. However, they also actively commit to teaching, passing down an ancient knowledge with the measured patience of yesteryear.

Valuing Campanian and Domestic Craftsmanship
Visiting the Phlegraean Fields area also means discovering this hidden cultural heritage. This world is built entirely on hospitality and shared expertise. Therefore, embroidery represents an excellence of Campanian craftsmanship that deserves to be known, shared, and celebrated. It stands proudly alongside the famous archaeological and natural treasures surrounding it.

L'articolo Golden threads of the phlegraean fields: the embroiderers guarding Bacoli’s tradition proviene da pino codispoti photographer.

Antonio Rescigno: the art of breadmaking in Pozzuoli

PiCo — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 22:45:04 +0000

In the heart of Pozzuoli, where the sea breeze blends with the ancestral energy of the Campi Flegrei, the art of baking finds its ultimate expression in the hands of Antonio Rescigno.

As the heir to a dynasty that has been shaping the history of bread in Campania since 1910, Antonio represents the perfect intersection of a centuries-old tradition and a daily dedication that takes no shortcuts. Every day, his oven renews an ancient ritual, transforming simple ingredients into true culinary masterpieces.

A Living Heritage: The Century-Old Criscito
The true secret of Antonio Rescigno, baker in Pozzuoli, is not locked away in a hidden recipe book, but in a living organism: a century-old sourdough starter, affectionately known as criscito.

Inherited and refreshed every single day with the same ritual care as his ancestors, this sourdough starter is the vibrant soul of every creation that leaves the bakery.

Thanks to this biological bond with the past, Antonio’s bread stands out for its:

Deep aromatic notes: An unmistakable aroma that evokes the flavors of yesteryear.
Extraordinary digestibility: The result of a natural, slow fermentation process, meticulously managed down to the smallest detail.
Long-lasting freshness: A unique ability to stay fresh over time—a rare quality in today’s era of industrial baking.

From classic Neapolitan taralli to traditional pane cafone, every artisanal baked good tells the story of a passion handed down from generation to generation.

L'articolo Antonio Rescigno: the art of breadmaking in Pozzuoli proviene da pino codispoti photographer.

The breath of the barrels: the slow art of Micu “u Varirharu”

PiCo — Sat, 20 Aug 2022 16:16:34 +0000

This brings us directly inside his under-stairs workshop, which serves as a true sanctuary of wood and memory. Therefore, his workplace is not a conventional shop, but rather a private, domestic sanctuary. This tiny space under the stairs is his exclusive kingdom, where the dim light filters through, creating golden blades that dance upon the sawdust.

Consequently, amid the rich scents of damp chestnut and iron dust, Micu does not just practice an ordinary trade. On the contrary, he exercises his oblivion, establishing his personal resistance against a time that flows far too quickly.

In fact, every single varrile he builds is a profound meditation. The small wooden staves must be absolutely perfect, curved at just the right angle to embrace each other without leaving room for a single breath of air. Moreover, Micu holds them in his hands as if they were wounded birds.
Therefore, precision is never a matter of modern tools, but of pure touch. Consequently, his knotted, strong fingers remain his most reliable calipers as he works in the shadows.

This dedication makes him the last guardian of a fading Calabrian rural heritage. While he tightens the iron hoops around the small barrel, he does so with the subdued strength of someone who knows he is sealing much more than a mere container. In short, he is trapping a memory linked to the cycle of the vine—a precious fragment of Calabrian peasant life that risks vanishing forever.

Indeed, Micu “u Varirharu” stands as the ultimate guardian of a knowledge rooted in patience, absolute respect for nature, and the art of giving wood a second, dignified life.

Ultimately, as he strikes the final hoop, the metallic, crystal-clear sound resonates through the shadows of the under-stairs. This is not merely the noise of daily work, but the steadfast voice of Micu. Therefore, it is the story of an old craftsman who, in the silence of his humble space, continues to shape small, perfect forms, ensuring that the ancient soul of wine still finds a place to rest and dream.

L'articolo The breath of the barrels: the slow art of Micu “u Varirharu” proviene da pino codispoti photographer.

Beyond the Veil: the Sacred Vesting of Holy Saturday in Badolato

PiCo — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 21:39:24 +0000

In the heart of the village of Badolato, an ancient and profound rite takes place, far from the eyes of the crowd waiting for the Holy Saturday procession. This unique event is the private vesting of the participants. However, it is not merely a theatrical preparation. Instead, this moment represents a fragment of living history and a sacred transition, jealously guarded by the local brotherhoods. During this phase, the common man completely sheds his daily identity. Consequently, he dons the robes of the Passion characters, feeling the full weight of responsibility and devotion.

Inside the Secret Places of Preparation
Subsequently, the images lead us inside the secret places of preparation. Here, an atmosphere suspended between deep prayer and concentration reigns. Through intense close-ups, we capture the solemnity of the gestures and the delicacy in handling garments inherited from the past.
Furthermore, a deep emotion clearly shines through the faces of the participants. Shades of white, red, and gold alternate with darker tones. In this way, the ancient rite evokes the emotional complexity of an event that simultaneously celebrates both sorrow and hope.

A Vibrant Tradition Passed Through Generations
Indeed, every single detail speaks to us of a vibrant tradition. From the weave of the fabrics to the reflections on the armor, everything is passed down with love from generation to generation. Therefore, these images are an open invitation to look beyond the veil of the procession.
Moreover, they allow us to discover the hidden humanity behind the faces of the protagonists. In conclusion, this visual narrative is a tribute to the faith of the people of Badolato. Ultimately, it is the portrait of a tradition that continues to move and unite the entire community.

L'articolo Beyond the Veil: the Sacred Vesting of Holy Saturday in Badolato proviene da pino codispoti photographer.

Under the arch of time: where light turns to pasta and sound becomes history

PiCo — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 10:32:53 +0000

Dawn in Old Bari (Bari Vecchia) does not arrive with the crowing of a rooster. Instead, it breaks with the sharp, rhythmic clatter of wooden pastry boards kissing iron trestles.

Before the sun even manages to slip past the deep shadow of the Arco Basso, the air grows dense and almost milky. Indeed, it hangs suspended between the salty breeze rising from the promenade and the ultrafine dust of semolina beginning its dance in the narrow alley.

An Ancestral Ritual on the Streets of Old Bari
When the Alley Becomes a Shared Kitchen
The local women step out of their homes as if responding to an ancient, internal call. Consequently, they take possession of the street with the effortless grace of those who live the world barefoot. Seated on straw-bottomed chairs, their backs bend with an ancient dignity over mountains of fresh dough that is still warm from kneading.

It is precisely here that the culinary magic begins. The thumb presses down firmly, the rounded knife drags across the board, and in a single instant, what was a simple strand of flour arches beautifully. However, it quickly transforms into a small, imperfect dome, ready to safeguard the very soul of Puglia.

Time Dictated by Tradition
Vices, Dialect, and Wooden Boards
There is absolutely no need for scales or kitchen timers in this alley. On the contrary, time is effortlessly marked by the continuous chatter in local dialect—a lively melody of hoarse voices and shared laughter.

This soundtrack mixes intimately with the constant rustling of pasta sliding across porous wood. Ultimately, this sensory harmony transforms a stone alley into a living heart that beats to the slow, inexorable rhythm of tradition.

L'articolo Under the arch of time: where light turns to pasta and sound becomes history proviene da pino codispoti photographer.

Peppino Caminiti: a day at Morena

PiCo — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 17:19:30 +0000

My grandfather’s cousin: a family friend. This summer, I went to visit Peppino at Morena, his smallholding located on the southern slope of Badolato Borgo. Meanwhile, in the company of his wife, Vittoria, we sat in the cool shade of the cottage and talked at length about the past.

Indeed, if it had been possible, I would have loved to transform their words immediately into images. These were vivid moments of deep familiarity with my maternal grandparents and of authentic social life in the village. Therefore, this meeting felt like a true journey back in time.

Today, it is becoming increasingly difficult to gather these moments of rural life directly from those who experienced them firsthand. Walking along the narrow alleys, climbing up and down from one side of the village to the other, you sometimes no longer feel that deep sense of belonging to the place.

Consequently, you no longer easily meet those who, together with your grandparents, built your very roots. In fact, you no longer hear that voice which, until a few years ago, warmed your heart.

This brings us to the story of the Morena smallholding and life in the fields of Badolato. However, inside the old cottage, time seems to have kept its value completely intact. Therefore, it is truly delightful to listen to them.

Moreover, even a squirrel, intrigued by our conversation, peeps out from one of the cottage windows. Theirs is a life lived with deep passion and with a sacred respect for things and people. Consequently, it is a private life, yet one that remains constantly open to others with sincere brotherly love.

Peppino’s small eyes twinkle as he tells his story, lighting up with a joyful glow. Meanwhile, as we walk through the fields of Morena, the beating summer sun draws deep shadows across his face.

All around us, the fruits of the vegetable garden, the breeding of rabbits, chickens, and pigs, the vines, the olive trees, and the large “gebbia” (the water basin used for irrigation) take shape. Indeed, everything speaks of hard work and dedication.

Ultimately, I owe a huge thank you to Peppino and Vittoria for the time they dedicated to me. Above all, I thank them for the powerful emotions they managed to convey through their affection and their extraordinary simplicity.

L'articolo Peppino Caminiti: a day at Morena proviene da pino codispoti photographer.

Shipyard diary: the birth of the Vega Sa 2723 in Torre Annunziata

PiCo — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 15:25:06 +0000

Torre Annunziata, July 8, 2019. Thanks to Marcello and Salvatore Gambardella, I cross the threshold of a shipyard for the very first time. I am welcomed by the lovely Anna, who introduces me to the workforce. Naturally, the emotion is overwhelming as my eyes wander across the entire environment.

First Impressions of the Deep Haven
At this time of day, the summer sunlight streams through the high windows, tracing a sequence of parallel rectangles on the floor. Furthermore, these geometric shapes gracefully adapt to the contours of the boats under maintenance or construction. Countless vessels of various types and sizes, resting on trailers or cradles, are surrounded by men at work. Meanwhile, the sounds of hammering echo uniformly through the sheds, while every now and then, flashes of light and welding sparks color the air.

Boarding: Where Raw Matter Takes Shape
The hull of the motor vessel, fully harnessed by scaffolding, displays its imposing bow. Before boarding, I meet Marcello, the naval engineer, who introduces me to the project. Consequently, from a ladder leaning against the stern, I finally step onto the weather deck.

In this very spot, I find myself before a skeleton of pipes and metal sheets where skilled men, with absolute ease, measure, cut, weld, and bolt. Therefore, I move on tiptoe; it feels almost like a sacrilege to interrupt the perfect synchronicity of their work.

Capturing the Magic Through the Lens
I observe: my eyes meet theirs, which divert from the action for brief moments, as if to grant permission for my work. Next, I see: I pull out my camera and capture the moment.

Indeed, there are so many unique moments I want to freeze in my lens:

A dramatic scenery of smoke, colors, and sparks that reveals a welder wrapped in his protective gear.
The detailed frame capturing two hands intent on cutting a metal rod.
Those shared daily memories that add up between a lunch break, a coffee, a cigarette, and a quick chat.

Month after month, the motor vessel takes shape: the hull, the first deck, the second deck, and finally the bridge. The sea awaits us. We are at the beginning of 2020, and the launch is scheduled for April.

The Unexpected Twist of History: The Lockdown
However, history had other plans. It is the evening of March 9, 2020, when President Conte announces to Italians that “unfortunately, there is no time left”. Too many sick, too many dead. Starting March 10, a new decree and subsequent lockdown take effect. Suddenly, the country shuts down and grinds to a halt. The following day, the World Health Organization declares: it is a pandemic.

The Return to Life and Work
Inevitably, silence envelops the Torre Annunziata shipyard as well.

On May 18, after 69 days of isolation, front doors reopen and the country gradually reactivates. Fortunately, work on the motor vessel finally resumes. Sometime later, I receive a WhatsApp message from Anna: “Hi Pino, just to let you know that we will probably launch the motor vessel on July 15. Call me on the 13th for confirmation.”

July 22: The Vega Sa 2723 Meets the Sea
A little over a year after my first entry into the shipyard, the big day has arrived.

9:00 AM: The motor vessel is already on the trailer. With the final fittings completed, amidst the festive atmosphere enveloping the entire shipyard, the journey toward the sea begins. Along the dirt road that opens up to a panoramic view of the majestic Mount Vesuvius, a team of workers facilitates the trailer’s progress.

The Final Touchdown
Thus, while the sun shines brightly, reflecting off the metal sheets of the motor vessel, we arrive in front of a massive crane. Once harnessed, the crane lifts the structure and gently lowers it into the water. Ultimately, it is 12:53 PM when the Vega Sa 2723 touches the surface of the sea for the very first time.

L'articolo Shipyard diary: the birth of the Vega Sa 2723 in Torre Annunziata proviene da pino codispoti photographer.

The “Nottata”: the ritual of the night-before purchase

PiCo — Tue, 24 Dec 2019 04:09:53 +0000

Between the roaring waves of the Gulf and the bright glare of halogen lamps, the night in Castellammare di Stabia ignites with an ancestral energy. This photographic reportage takes you straight into the beating heart of the “nottata”—a collective ritual deeply rooted in the area’s core identity.

In Castellammare, just as throughout the entire Torrese-Stabiese region, tradition allows no room for compromise. Indeed, the fish for the festive dinner must be exceptionally fresh, almost “alive.” To meet this pursuit of excellence, local fishmongers boldly defy the darkness. They throw open their doors late in the evening on December 23rd and 30th, remaining fully operational throughout the entire night.

An Open-Air Anthropological Theater
Silver Scales and Pride-Filled Faces
The accompanying images beautifully capture the shimmer of silver scales, the frantic movement of hands knotting plastic bags, and faces deeply lined by sea spray and proud exhaustion. This event is not mere commerce; on the contrary, it is a fascinating open-air anthropological theater.

Furthermore, the experience spans from the sudden twitching of eels (capitoni) in the tanks to the late-night stroll (lo struscio) of citizens weaving through the downtown alleys. However, it is the shared community spirit that truly brings the scene to life. Through these candid shots, we enter the very soul of a city that honors its visceral bond with the sea.

Transforming the Holiday Wait into Art
Voices, Breath, and Sincere Glances
Consequently, this nightly gathering effortlessly transforms the anticipation of Christmas and New Year’s Eve into a living, breathing work of art. The entire market area fills to the brim with unique sounds and sights.

Ultimately, the space becomes a vibrant tapestry woven from echoing voices, misty breath in the winter air, and completely honest glances. It is a striking testament to a maritime community that refuses to let its most authentic traditions fade away.

L'articolo The “Nottata”: the ritual of the night-before purchase proviene da pino codispoti photographer.

Gaetano the luthier

PiCo — Mon, 28 May 2018 17:01:52 +0000

Naples is the postcard we all know. It is the scent of fresh laundry coloring the narrow alleys and the sum of its bitter contradictions. Its rich artistic heritage draws thousands of tourists, ready to crowd streets paved with history, myth, and legend. Here, steaming pizzas decorate the small tables lining the lanes, while ancient crafts survive with respect for tradition and a keen eye toward the future.

In the heart of the historic center, just a few steps from Piazza San Domenico, lies a surprising workshop. This is where Gaetano Pucino, a renowned luthier active for over twenty years, works. With a skilled hand and a pulsing passion, Gaetano dedicates his days to bringing extraordinary violins to life. Neapolitan violin-making has deep roots: as early as the 16th century, alongside Venice, the city attracted master artisans from all over Europe.

This noble craft tradition is an integral part of Neapolitan culture. It is no surprise, then, that Gaetano’s workshop is a beloved destination for tourists and the curious alike. Walking toward the Sansevero Chapel, one often catches a glimpse of the luthier from Montemiletto immersed in his work. Observing him in that open space is a suggestive sight—a moment that feels suspended in time and space.

In this dimension of precise gestures and focused gazes, the artisan’s hands glide over the wood with absolute dedication. As the space takes shape, the intense aroma of craftsmanship fills the air and violins line up in order. Even a sly cat finds a spot atop a precious instrument, completing a scene with a unique flavor. For those seeking the true soul of Naples, this workshop is now an unmissable destination.

L'articolo Gaetano the luthier proviene da pino codispoti photographer.

Augusto: the textile restorer

PiCo — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 21:00:46 +0000

The Excellence of Augusto Cocozza
Because he is a proud son of the South, Augusto Cocozza perfectly represents a new generation of Italian excellence. Indeed, this beautiful southern land passionately cherishes its history through hard work and profound knowledge. Therefore, this young art historian and conservator uses his skilled hands to protect our artistic heritage. Specifically, he reconstructs and recomposes precious pieces with utmost care.
First, he began his academic journey at the Suor Orsola Benincasa University of Naples. In addition, he comes originally from Aliano, a small town in the Upper Caserta area. Subsequently, he refined his expertise with a specialized diploma in the history of textile artifacts. Thanks to this technical background, he has gained significant experience as a consultant for prestigious institutions. For example, he worked for the Royal Palace of Naples and the Santa Chiara monastic complex.
The Secrets of Textile Restoration
Furthermore, through this visual narrative, Augusto invites us into his world and reveals the secrets behind textile restoration. In fact, this is an extremely delicate practice that requires profound material knowledge. Moreover, you need highly specific technical skills for this niche field. Consequently, patience and precision are essential ingredients combined with constant observation. Thus, every movement becomes a deliberate act of preservation.
Step by step, we follow the daily adventure of a professional who intimately understands the soul of these objects. So, rare materials pass under his watchful eye and regain their former glory. However, restoration is not just about aesthetics. This is because fabrics can recount collective history and reveal forgotten human stories. Then, it becomes a total immersion in colors to re-tie the threads of the past. Finally, his tools create a landscape on his workbench where he moves with extreme grace.

L'articolo Augusto: the textile restorer proviene da pino codispoti photographer.