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Palermo, Italy

Francesco Scherma

Jewellery maker

A craftsman of many talents

  • Francesco is an eclectic artisan mastering several techniques
  • Chiselling metals is his main passion today
  • He uses brass to make many of his jewellery pieces

Laboratorio Scherma in Palermo is a fascinating workshop where a wide variety of jewellery and objects that might seem to be created by a team of skilled artisans can be found. It is in fact the stage of a one-man show, the workspace of Francesco Scherma who handmakes jewellery and other decorative creations. Francesco has acquired an impressive amount of experience from his studies and the learning of his craft with other master artisans. He masters several crafts, including ceramics, woodwork and goldsmithing, and techniques allowing him to create pieces that are immediately recognisable and impeccably executed. Francesco finds inspiration in the tradition of his city and land.


Interview

©Riccardo Vivoli
©Riccardo Vivoli
What training have you received as an artisan?
I have always been surrounded by craftsmen’s tools somehow. I was born into a family of carpenters, had my first apprenticeship in ceramics when I was only 13. I started working metals at a later stage and I spent 12 years in a silversmith's workshop.
Was your early practice supported by studies in art?
I completed a full course of studies as a sculptor, from attending art college to the Fine Art Academy, and I have a Masters in metal working too. Essentially I am a sculptor, passionate about design and about running a business.
What inspires your work?
Palermo and my land are an encyclopedia of different styles and ornaments: from Arab-Norman to Liberty. Not to mention the silhouettes of our land. I try to interpret with my hands everything that I like. All these elements contribute to define my identity as a craftsman.
Do you have a favourite technique?
Chiselling metals is my passion. I also applied this technique to the ancient tradition of the pupi siciliani. According to the traditional technique, their armours and weapons are decorated with 'rabeschi', which are welded ornaments, while my pupi are finely chiselled.
Francesco Scherma is a rising star: he began his career in 2018 and he started teaching in 2018

Where


Francesco Scherma

Address: Piazza Giovanni Meli 5, 90133, Palermo, Italy
Hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00-13:00 / 15:00-18:00; Sunday 10:00-13:00
Phone: +39 3208356143
Languages: Italian, English
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