A True Artisan in Taormina...

There are many things I love about Taormina (the views, the sea, Corso Umberto, canoli from Chemi, etc.), but there is one place that I must return to every time we visit.

On a side street a few blocks down from the Corso is the studio of Michael Samperi. Michael is a true artisan who keeps alive an old family tradition marble mosaics. Basically what Michael does is chip away at a piece of marble making incisions where he then lays other pieces of stone such as lava, tufa, travertine or a colored marbled to create a design. His work is fascinating and breathtakingly beautiful.

Hiding behind his desk was a 3x3 meter table top I am dying to have, but the price tag does not quite fit into my lifestyle just yet, so we settled on this lovely piece:

Additionally, Michael is a joy of a person. There is no sales push, just a very talented but humble local eager for people to see that artisan work is alive and well in Taormina. BUT, it’s really hard to leave there without buying something as his work is so special!

So, next time you are in Taormina, please make a visit to Michael and maybe you too will find a little )or large!) piece of unique art to bring home with you.

Il Fascino delle Pietre di Michael Samperi

Via G. di Giovanni 52

Tel/fax: +39 0942 625266