Stories of Craftmanship
Discover the stories of artisans and endangered craft techniques from Turkey, Bulgaria, Italy and beyond, preserving local traditions and giving them the visibility they deserve.
Natasha Bozharova
Sculptor of Terracotta Mysteries
Born in Skopje, Macedonia, in 1981, Natasha Bozharova discovered her passion for art as a child, sketching medieval knights that sparked a lifelong fascination with the human figure. She graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Skopje in 2005 and, since 2016, has lived and worked in Priverno, Italy, continuing to explore her artistic vision.
Natasha works primarily with terracotta, creating both large and small sculptures, including numerous self-portraits and public monuments. Her figures are often mysterious and slightly unsettling, with sharply defined features—monks, women, and self-portraits populate her unique world. What began as childhood sketches of knights has evolved into a fully formed artistic language, distinguished by strong character and a singular vision.
Armando Giordani
Painter and Sculptor
Born in Priverno in 1946, Armando Giordani shaped his artistic vision between the Art Institute of his hometown and the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, studying under masters like Emilio Greco. Since his first exhibitions in the 1970s, he has moved seamlessly between painting and sculpture, crafting a deeply personal and authentic voice.
In his paintings, vibrant colors and bold shapes turn everyday countryside scenes, still lifes, and nudes into rich emotional landscapes. Through sculpture, he uses bronze and terracotta to bring raw physical weight to human figures and maternities. Today, from his peaceful studio in the Ravenna countryside, Giordani continues to give form to feelings that words alone cannot express.
Nigar Gültekin
Embroideries from Turkey
Nigar is a talented artisan from Türkiye who brings textile art to life through hand embroidery and traditional needlework. Rooted in a rich cultural heritage, Turkish embroidery features delicate stitches, intricate patterns and motifs inspired by nature and everyday life.
Through her careful use of colours, threads and techniques passed down through generations, Nigar transforms simple fabrics into unique creations that tell stories of tradition, creativity and craftsmanship. Her work helps preserve this valuable artisanal knowledge while connecting centuries-old techniques with contemporary textile art.
Cuore di Penelope
Crocheting with love
In Priverno, Italy, Cuore di Penelope ODV brings women together through volunteering, creative activities and initiatives that support the local community. Through crochet and handmade creations, traditional skills become a way to express creativity, build connections and contribute to charitable causes.
From local markets to awareness events such as the Camminata in Rosa, the association weaves together craftsmanship and solidarity, showing how even small handmade gestures can make a meaningful difference.
Traditional Basket Weaving in Bulgaria
Generations of Knowledge
In Bulgaria, traditional basket weaving transforms natural materials into useful objects through patience, precision and skilled hands. Each weave reflects practical knowledge passed down through generations, connecting everyday life with local traditions and cultural identity.
By exploring the materials, tools and techniques behind this craft, Digi&Handy helps document and preserve an artisanal skill that deserves to be shared with future generations.
Handmade fishing nets in Burgas
Preserving fishing traditions
In Burgas, Bulgaria, hand-sewn fishing nets reflect the longstanding connection between local communities and life by the sea. Through practical knowledge passed down across generations, skilled hands transform simple materials into functional tools, using techniques that require patience, precision and experience.
By documenting the tools and methods behind this traditional craft, Digi&Handy helps preserve valuable artisanal knowledge and keep the maritime heritage of local communities alive for future generations
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Project Number: KA220-ADU-67C3149B
