luciano "picchio" santangelo
In the early morning, on the last day, of my first visit to
Venice, my brother and I started out to the docks of the Lagoon where the local artists set up their stands to sell their works. It had rained the day before coaxing tourists to stay inside and street artists to gather up their works and close early. But, we had promised to get our mother a painting of the Rialto Bridge, and even though our flight to the next part of our journey left in mere hours we determined to attempt some last minute purchases to fulfill the items we promised to return with, for those we left at home.
The day was just awaking and the streets and squares that would soon welcome another 51,000 tourists were empty save the shopkeepers making ready their store fronts and the flocks of pigeons splashing in the large pools created from the tidal flooding. As the hum of church bells pealed over the silent and still rain soaked city, we made our way through San Marco Square, outside the symbolic gateway columns, and past the gondola’s and water taxis tied to their moors. Despite feeling fatigued from our days of journeying, the warm dawn of the sun gave a sense of excitement and new adventures.
When we at last reached our destination, fortune led us to Picchio Santangelo, and I made my first international friend.
Classically trained and a master artist selling his paintings in S.Marco square for almost 48 years now, Picchio is a priceless jewel among the treasures of his city. He is among the most friendly, genuine, and kind people you will meet.
Working in both watercolor and oil canvas, his masterful works of the scenes and buildings of Venice are captured as only the lifetime of a local can detail. Though it could be his name is not well-known as an artist, because of his location in one of the world’s top tourist attractions his work receives as much exposure and views as many of the most famous renaissance paintings in the museums (55,000 tourists visiting the docks every day).
His warm smile and stunning paintings have brought joy to many tourists like me who proudly display his work all around the world.
Ragab
During our free day in Cairo where we had not scheduled any tours, my brother and I set out from our hotel to walk some streets, look for souvenirs and revisit The Egyptian Museum. It was not too hot yet but the sun was still high. The mystery and fascination of Egypt's ancient past could still be felt, blended with the overfilled streets of the most populated city I have ever visited. It was breathtaking and unlike anything I had experienced so far.
There were many people shouting about items to sell, inviting us to come inside their shops, and even offers to assist us for a price. After entering the courtyard of the Museum we began to more closely study and photograph the larger monuments and statues they had outside. Then turning a corner toward the exit of the museum we discovered a market of booths made up of local vendors that had not been there on our visit the day before. Not having any luck finding the mementos we hoped for on the streets, we stopped to shop through their wares.
There were the typical items that prey on inexperienced tourists which we were sure to steer clear of, but then we also saw many incredible objects for sale. Silversmiths, stonemasons, glaziers and a dozen more different types of tradesman showed their products.
Easily the booth that stood out and stopped you in your tracks belonged to the person whom I would befriend next, Ragab.
If you had asked me about alabaster before I had been to Egypt I thought I had an idea of what it was, but in that moment I found that I couldn't be more wrong. I was intrigued when doing my pre trip planning to read of the alabaster coffin of Pharaoh Seti I (father of Ramses the Great). Carved from a single stone of Alabaster and is translucent when introduced to the light. The concept of illuminated stone was a new to me and I tried to find pictures of it. Yet even if you find a picture it's like a sunset, no photo will ever be able to capture its allure as completely as it does to view in person. Although I didn’t get to see this artefact, as it is in a London museum. In a line of shop owners’ booths I made my first local friend and fell in love with the natural beauty of this amazing stone. From the first small vase I purchased I knew I would add more to my home.
Today Ragab is like a brother. Although his primary specialty is in alabaster, he helps supply me with most of the Egyptian items for my store. Together we have been a great difference for his small community.
About us
Thank you for visiting our store!
Since I took my first trip out of the country I have had a passion for travel. Now 5 years later my world map has 15 pins among 9 countries. I don't take any beach vacations, I want to immerse myself into the history, art, architecture, and culture of the places I see.
As I would carefully plan each trip I tried to study about each site including what signature souvenir, or collection of items I would bring home. I had a strict criteria that it would have to be unique with a historical or traditional meaning to the country or area, preferably hand made of material native to the country by a local and native business.
Avoiding the common tourists traps selling t-shirts and keychains, I sought out the authentic shopkeepers and artists. I studied the different items and quality until I found the right store that meet my high standards. Once I was satisfied I would take it a step further, doing my best to befriend and remember the storeowner so I could purchase from them again. Many of them have even done custom items for me that I was able to design.
What I discovered is that making friends was not hard to do and, there are a lot of wonderful people in this world. Unfortunately, many of their trades are becoming a dying art. Because of a lack of interest in younger generations to learn the skills and intense physical labor involved in the trades paired with an increasing attitude toward a "throw away" culture, the demand for high quality, well made, fine art and décor may be lost soon forever.
Over the pause in being able to travel during 2020 & 2021, I kept in touch with my friends and was convinced to pursue this business. For me personally it has helped to fill that void of the trip I would have taken over seas, allowing me to stay connected to the countries and friends that I was unable to revisit. Secondly it has become an outlet that fulfills my desire to share the amazing things I've experienced the world has to offer, just like when you discover a new great restaurant and want to share it with everyone.
But perhaps most importantly, this will greatly help my friends who depend so much on tourism for their business and have been affected significantly by the travel restrictions. I hope this store can act as a bridge connecting the traveler who can no longer travel and the local business who cannot reach their tourist, customers. Providing you the buyer with a fine, unique item you'll love for your home while supporting their economies to continue to stay in business.
Thank you for your support as each purchase helps keep economies going and families employed.
keep checking back for more vendors and items
There are many more friends and shops I have not reached out to yet I hope to add as business growth allows. Not only additional masterpieces from Italy and Egypt, but expanding to other countries from the Mediterranean and Scandinavia.