Description
To mention Dogliani means to think of the rows of vineyards and the colors of the Langhe.
Dogliani is steeped in history. It is the city of Luigi Einaudi, the Italian head of state at the time. It is the city of “cultura del fare” (culture of making), high quality craftsmanship that is talked about without boasting.
Strategically located between the Barolo hills and the Tanaro valley floor, Dogliani is one of the gateways to the Langhe for those arriving from the west.
Historically, the markets of Dogliani (livestock, truffles, milk and cheese) have always been a reference for the neighboring villages of the Alta Langa.
Monuments, residences and palaces, medieval castles, churches, museums, gardens, streets, squares: let this hidden gem of the Langhe surprise you.
ANYWAYS EXPERIENCE: ART PRINT IN DOGLIANI, LANGHE
Here, in Ivan’s studio, time has stood still. It smells of ink, printing machines are creaking and stacks of paper are everywhere. Here in Dogliani Castello, equipped with a work coat, gloves and a “tarlatana“, the cloth for finishing, Ivan creates perfect engravings.
This tour dedicated to the sense of touch is not just a leap in time, however. Here old traditions are combined with modern texts and drawings.
“I learned this craft from Antonio, my brother-in-law. He started printing out of love and passion.
I studied architecture and during my studies I always helped him in the laboratory.
And then, out of passion, I stayed here.”
Ivan continues “My brother-in-law was into artistic printing: illustrated books with etchings and hand-sewn. He printed books and I did the etchings.
They are valuable works of artistic craftsmanship… but we don’t define ourselves as artists, we are craftsmen.
However, if you don’t have the passion for this work here, you can’t do it.”
Ivan smiles while flipping through one of the books he made with Antonio. “This is a handmade Linotype composition.
Here you can see an engraving I printed, which my sister then painted in watercolours.”
It’s easy to get carried away by his enthusiasm: “You have to touch it, feel the book, touch it!”
“Pure tradition calls for black and white – emphasizes Ivan – but modernity also needs colours. We make them by mixing earths, pigments and boiled linseed oils ». An ancient and complex technique that is being lost. “We know that, so we try to explain it to those who come to visit us.”
Ivan welcomes you with modesty and a lot of kindness to share his work with you and make an engraving together.
Contact us for more information about the “Art Print in Dogliani” tour.
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