Marino Moretti: Ceramic Artist in a Castle
December 3, 2012 by orvietoorbust
How often do I get to say this sentence?
“Last night I went to a party in a castle.”
The event was hosted by the amazing talent and Caravaggio lookalike, ceramic artist Marino Moretti. Inside his studio, located in a partially restored 9th-century castle in the town of Viceno, people gathered for a pre-holiday brindisi (toast). I tagged along with my friend, textile conservator and dealer, Igor Honkanen and was pleasantly surprised to see other friends who were in attendance. I was the new girl in town – well not really.
Two guys were hunched over in intense conversation in front of the
fire, and Igor split off to talk to some other people, so I wandered around the hall in awe of all the colorful pottery surrounding us. Marino’s lovely wife Marilyn was such a gracious hostess and the couple’s handsome teenage son acted as the bartender. I was trying to play it cool, but the phrase kept repeating in my head, “I am in a castle, I am in a castle, I am in a castle”.
As for Marino’s works, they are quite particular. His pieces fall mostly in the category of Majolica ceramics, but what I really want to say is that they’re in a class by themselves.
Majolica is a traditional way of tin-glazing pottery that dates back to the 13th century. The technique uses vibrant colors and often depicts historical figues and tells legends through figures and scenes. Moretti’s creations come in earthenware, terracotta and porcelain. Since the 1970s, Marino has gathered quite a large and loyal following.
Tonight the main room was filled with his whimsical
pottery displayed in groupings of vases, bowls and platters. In the corner were spindly garden sculptures. Handpainted tiles of yellow, blue, green and red hung like Renaissance calling cards. Happy medieval figures danced around the outside of bowls and ancient fish swam across platters. Even a crazy man was biting his own tail; it’s serious art that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
I found my way into the potter’s workshop where small cups and vases were perched on simple wooden shelving. I took a deep breath before attempting to pick up a tiny espresso cup with a medieval man’s head on it. I lifted it gingerly, careful not to bump it against the other cups or drop it. It seemed so precious and delicate. I admired it and felt how light it was in my hand. If I owned this cup, I don’t think I could bear to drink coffee out of it! It might be just a little cup and saucer to some people, but to me it’s a fine work of art.
Marino Moretti Studio d’Arte, via del Castello Vecchio, 12-05014 Viceno (TR), 0763 361663 – 320 2651654
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Posted in Artists in Italy, Italy, Living in Italy, Orvieto, Travel, Umbria | Tagged arts, Caravaggio, Italian ceramics, Majolica, Marino Moretti, Viceno | 11 Comments
Orvieto or Bust: 
Beautiful! I will look for it when I am down your way again. Ilkka Honkanen sounds like a Finnish name.
Hi Debra, Yes Igor is Finnish. He’s such a great friend and very talented textile restorer/dealer as well. Are you of Finnish decent too? You should meet him when you are here. Hugs. toni
Sounds like a magical evening and I think you should buy one of those exquisite coffee cups!!
there was some lovely work on display there Toni. 🙂
I know. I am partial to guy biting his tail…and of course that little espresso cup. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs. toni
Hi Toni – I’ve been stalking Orvieto or Bust for awhile and now you’re in my neighborhood!! We have a place in Benano, just across the valley from Viceno (in fact, we can see Marino’s castle from our dining room) We love Marino’s work and we’ve been talking to him about casual programs for our guests. BTW, we love his work so much that we brought one piece back with us (if I could attach a photo, I would show it to you) and we’re waiting for another one he’s making for us. Do you mind if I link this post to my blog? I’m at http://www.postcardsfromumbria.com. It’s so nice to “meet” you — finally! Ciao, Karen
Hi Karen, Wow, nice to meet you “neighbor”. Marino is extraordinary. I would be honored if you attached my post to your blog – thank you for following me (incognito) and glad you’ve come out into the open. Hope to meet you soon. Keep in touch. Toni.
[…] to you?) So when you reach Viceno, just keep walking uphill until you get to his studio. Here’s a report on a recent visit to Marino’s castle/studio, written by an American blogger who lives […]
[…] to you?) So when you reach Viceno, just keep walking uphill until you get to his studio. Here’s a report on a recent visit to Marino’s castle/studio, written by an American blogger who lives […]
I have a rep.s.marino castle can’t find it in any of the collections online just wondering about the history and age
Hi Mark,
First, I’m not sure what “rep.” is. The castle is not called S.Marino. It is located in nearby Viceno and is privately owned by the artist and his family. Marino Moretti’s ceramic work can be found at http://www.marinomoretti.it. I hope that answered your questions. Happy Holidays. Toni