Bevilacqua: ceramics to share Sicily with the world
Inspired by their mother’s artistic flair, in 1997 Giuseppe and Antonio Bevilacqua founded a ceramic workshop in a small Sicilian town in the province of Caltanissetta, where they create the typical products of Caltagirone and Santo Stefano di Camastra ceramics – such as Moorish heads, pinecones, and tables – in a more contemporary style, while still using traditional techniques. With passion and determination, the brothers achieved recognition in a relatively short time, eventually forming high-profile collaborations, such as with Dolce&Gabbana, and in 2022, they received the title of MAM – Maestro d’Arte e Mestiere (MAM – Masters of Arts and Crafts’accolade) from the Cologni Foundation for the Métiers d’Art.
Can you tell us how your story in the world of ceramics began?
It all started in 1997. An adventure that began with our mother, who has always been a painter and passed on her artistic passion to us. We like to say we bet on ourselves, accompanied by a touch of madness and a lot of determination. We opened a small workshop in the historic center of Campofranco, just a few kilometers from the beautiful Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, and there we began creating objects that tell our story, the tradition of Sicilian ceramics, and the land we live in. It’s a workshop where our creations come to life, outside the usual path of traditional Sicilian ceramics.
How important is the territory, Sicily, and the tradition of Caltagirone to your work?
The connection with our land is fundamental. We drew from the traditions of Caltagirone and Santo Stefano di Camastra but created our own distinctive style. Each piece is a small work of art, unique and unrepeatable, made entirely by hand. From the processing of clay to its shaping, decoration, and firing, every object comes to life from our hands.
Do you have specific roles, or are you “interchangeable”?
We work in unison, complementing each other and understanding each other with just a glance. We work every day in close contact, sharing everything, always together and united. This understanding allows us to work in harmony and with complete respect for one another.
Is your style and technique strictly traditional?
Tradition is our artistic signature. All pieces are made from white clay by choice, as the colors on this base appear brighter and more intense. Clay, water, pigments, reliability, and passion: this is how one of our products comes to life. Tradition is the foundation we start from, and we carry it to the present day. The past, present, and future blend together in our creations. The millennia-old tradition of Sicilian ceramics, design, craftsmanship, and innovation combine to give life to products, all made in Sicily, where each piece has a taste of exclusivity. The culture of the material, knowledge of production techniques, decoration, and firing processes ensure that our products are of the highest quality. Every object is an expression of a unique and exclusive design that interprets the taste of tradition while keeping an eye on the future. Moorish heads, tables, and pinecones, which are initially just home décor, become exclusive works of art.
Over the years, you’ve established important professional collaborations, like the one with Dolce&Gabbana. What is the secret to being chosen by such a prestigious brand?
Being able to work with such an important and internationally recognized fashion brand is an honor for us. We advise anyone who wants to follow our example to work hard, with commitment, punctuality, and passion. It is also essential to perfectly translate what the client requests and desires into the creations. We are always ready to create bespoke products based on the guidelines we are given.
What opportunities does communication offer today to a young artisan?
Communication is a window to the world, helping to take one’s work outside the workshop and allowing it to be known and appreciated by a wider audience, eager to have Sicilian tradition products with a contemporary twist in their homes, offices, and studios.
What are your next challenges?
For us artisans, the challenges are many, every day. Perhaps the one we both desire the most is to take our art beyond national borders. Seeing our works placed in various international contexts fills us with pride and satisfaction and drives us to do better every day.
CERAMICA BEVILACQUA
Piazza Francesco Crispi, 24 – Campofranco (CL) – ITALY
+39 0934 959390 – info@ceramicabevilacqua.com
