Artisan
If you have been to La Jolie, I’m sure you will be aware of how important the concept of ‘artisan’ is to us and to what we do.
By definition, the term artisan is rooted in the Latin ‘artitus’ thus being ‘relative to art’. A skilled craftsperson from any genre can be an artisan, as can a company or persons that make “a distinctive product in small quantities, usually by hand and/or using traditional methods”.
‘Artisan’ is a qualifying factor in our choices of cheese to bring to you. It not only means exceptional quality, but it speaks of nature… of grass and earth, of proper husbandry to animals, and also of true human passion and conscience.
We also apply this philosophy to our ancillary items and providers,… and even to our decor. On quiet days I sometimes ponder the antique armoires that harbor our goods, and the hand painted Doulton plates from long ago that now sit in our cases. These, too, share the spirit of the artist that made them. I can’t help but imagine the craftspeople, and their final smile and sigh of satisfaction after a job well done. I truly feel a sense of honor and reverence in having these human accomplishments in our care.
And interestingly, I have recently been drawn to the incredible history and art of doll making… specifically felt dolls.The replication of a character shows the heart and the soul of the artisan at it’s finest. The story of Elena Scavini and her creation Lenci dolls in Turin is fascinating, as is the history R.John Wright in Vermont. The series that has currently stolen my heart is the Wright ‘mice’. Lifelike and sweet, they somehow just seem to fit right in at a cheese shop….
