Sign in | Log in

Mapping Flowerpots

Mapping Flowerpots

Joseph Sciorra (June 23, 2013)

Pinpointing a New York City folk art.

Tools

In an attempt to quantify the ongoing discovery of a New York City folk tradition—which appears to be Italian American—I’ve created this map of sites in Brooklyn where one can find planters decorated with beach pebbles. I’ll be updating the map as I come across new houses.


I’ve located many of these sites with the help of others, in particular Anthony Scotto and Annabella Sciorra. Please let me know if you come across similar decorative work in New York City (and elsewhere!).


View Pebble Planters of Brooklyn in a larger map

DISCLAIMER: Posts published in i-Italy are intended to stimulate a debate in the Italian and Italian-American Community and sometimes deal with controversial issues. The Editors are not responsible for, nor necessarily in agreement with the views presented by individual contributors.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - RIPRODUZIONE VIETATA.
This work may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior written permission.
Questo lavoro non può essere riprodotto, in tutto o in parte, senza permesso scritto.

Italian pebble mosaics

Greetings from an Italian transplanted to cowboy country from NY. Imagine my surprise as I search the internet re: Italian folk art and find your wonderful site. For the past year I have been exploring the art of pebble mosaic structures. Having had a recent conversation with my mom about a piece my grandfather made in New Rochelle, I have been intrigued with paying him some homage by creating one in my yard. But I don't know how! One of your articles says that you have been researching the techniques...can you point me in a direction? I would be...Forever grateful in the West (and always missing NY).

sciorra's picture

any photos?

Cynthia, I can't help you with technique but I can't help but wonder if you have any photos of your grandfather's creations. If so, please email me at [email protected].