Che Bella Questa Cosa, Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, Various Sizes, 2020
Reverse of Piano Piano “slowly slowly” (Pitcher), Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 1.75″ x 1.3″ x 1.75″, 2020
Detail of Un pó di sale “A pinch of salt” (Salt Cellar), Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 2″ x 1.75″ x 1.3″, 2020
Un pó di sale “A pinch of salt” (Salt Cellar), Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 2″ x 1.75″ x 1.3″, 2020
Posa cucchiaio “spoon rest” (spoon rest), Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 2″ x 1″ x 0.25″, 2020
Tappi di sughero per vino “wine corks” (wine corks) , Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 2.4″ x 1.6″ x 1.5″, 2020
Utensili “kitchen utensil holder” (kitchen utensil holder), Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 1.2″ x 1.4″ x 1.2″, 2020
Mangiate Ragazzi “eat up guys” (serving plate), Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 3″ x 2.2″ x 0.5″, 2020
Boun Appetito “enjoy your meal” (serving bowl), Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 2.6″ x 1.75″ x 0.5″, 2020
Antico Proverbio Siciliano “old Sicilian proverb” (mug), Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 1″ x 1.25″ x 1″, 2020
Dedicato a Papa “a dedication to my father” (tile), Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 3″ x 3″ x 0.5″, 2020
Porta uovo “egg cup” (egg cup), Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 1.7″ x 1.4″ x 1.2″, 2020
Reverse of Porta uovo “egg cup” (egg cup), Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 1.7″ x 1.4″ x 1.2″, 2020
Cucú non c’é ne piú “Oh there’s no more” (bowl), Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 1.5″ x 0.6″ x 1.5″, 2020
Detail of Cucú non c’é ne piú “Oh there’s no more” (bowl), Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 1.5″ x 0.6″ x 1.5″, 2020
Detail of Un pó di sale “A pinch of salt” (Salt Cellar), Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 2″ x 1.75″ x 1.3″, 2020
Reverse of Antico Proverbio Siciliano “old Sicilian Proverb” (mug), Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 1″ x 1.25″ x 1″, 2020
Il piatto del Nonno “Nonno’s plate” (plate), Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 2″ x 2″ x 0.4″, 2020
Attento che scotta “Careful it’s hot “ (hot plate/trivet), Air dry modeling clay and acrylic, 2″ x 2″ x 0.2″, 2020
Kristina Insingo
[BFA] Ceramics with Minors in Art History and Psychology
Che Bella Questa Cosa
Throughout history humans have been storytellers, passing on their legacies by word of mouth and tradition. Families have always gathered around their unique and dynamic commonalities and differences. In presenting this collection, I intend to share my familial heritage and history-cultural connections which have brought joy and peace to my family. I grew up with an Italian-speaking grandfather who strove to immerse us in our heritage. My Nonno did his best to communicate with us by using certain phrases in Italian. He was a chef by trade and prepared meals for our family up until his passing in December of 2012. I honor his legacy through this series of work. Che Bella Questa Cosa honors my grandfather’s impact on me through this ceramic kitchen set decorated with traditional Sicilian designs and phrases encountered in my childhood.
Each piece in Que Bella Questa Cosa is a representation of a significant memory accompanied with a corresponding ceramic element that highlights the intended use of the object. Sicilian style artwork uses this vibrant color palate and is unique to the region near my family’s home town of Messina. The words and phrases used are some said directly by my grandfather in the kitchen. The included texts have been passed down from generation to generation, bridging my personal experience to how each piece serves as a physical memory. These physical memories are what make each piece special and a way that my grandfather’s legacy can be passed on and treasured for years to come.