Forcolaio Matto, Artisan in Venice
Photography of artisan Piero Dri in Venice www.ilforcolaiomatto.it Each forcola I create is like a journey. I start by studying the walnut wood trunk, as though I were in a foreign land which will slowly become friendlier. I outline the “forcola” with care respecting the grains of the wood, and then embark on the task, sweating and taking delight in the hard work. Every now and then I observe it as a traveller would when he gazes back to see how far he has come, and stops for a moment to contemplate the scenery. I work slowly at times, and at others with a sense of urge, vigour and tenderness until I begin to see the curves and the lines I wanted emerging from the wood. Completing a forcola is a bit like crossing a finish line. I savour the moment as it will stay for ever. Something has been created. And I must wait a little longer before embarking on another journey. Commissioned by http://storiedichi.com/
