Antonio is a rare creature and his passion is contagious! He built his first violin when he was – Doll maker 7 years old, carving it from a chocolate box without ever seeing a real one. Now he creates instruments of unique beauty and it’s difficult not to fall in love with his incredible art. He is inspired by certain shapes from the Middle Ages to the late 1700s and his affinity for wood allows him to create even the most complex of instruments with true craftsmanship. and luthier.

Claudio Pinchi is a renowned organ builder and restorer. He follows his family tradition in the craft of organ manufacturing which originated in the Middle Ages. Meeting Claudio was a real pleasure. He can bring a thousand year old organ back to life, and give a Church like the San Vitale in Assisi the soulful sound it was missing all along. Not only is he a very passionate and talented organ maker, he is also a lovely person. Claudio is friendly, welcoming, and easy-going, and we have a great time working together. His dedication to build a new organ for the town of Norcia, which was destroyed by the earthquake, was truly moving. He told me “A church without an organ is like a person without a voice.” That’s the real Italy!

Peppino’s workshop that overlooks the Adriatic sea is the most beautiful spot in Polignano. The team and I spent the entire day in his workshop and he even invited us to his home for an intimate lunch. It was wonderful to meet his family and get to get to know him, beyond his work.

I love his amazing lamps and the way he can transform any piece of glass into a work of art. Watching him work is magical; as he perfectly places hundreds of pieces of glass to build a lamp. He truly embodies what it means to be a sustainable artist, leaving no piece of glass to waste.

The blue sea turtle lamp, which you see in the Puglia episode, is my favorite. I am definitely going to buy one, at least for my studio!

The first thing that strikes you when you meet Raffaele is his hands. Strong, leathery, and black from the fire. They say it’s a product of his life dedicated to metal creation and hard work. He told me that once a red hot hand tool pierced his hand and he didn’t even bleed or feel any pain. What a man! He has spent his whole life making incredible objects and he is still working at 75 and it certainly isn’t an easy job! They let me try to strike the anvil and I could hardly lift the hammer. Raffaele is one man that deserves a lot of respect and admiration for his passion and persistence.