THE KARST: This land of stone, drought and the Bora wind has strengthened the local man, who lives with the stone for centuries.
Works made of stone come from the skilled hands of a master stonemason – may they bestow to you a small piece of the Karst.
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We offer uniquely crafted ready-made items for sale, or if you prefer you can custom order pieces made from Karst stone.
We offer the following:
If you would like additional information or wish to place an order or arrange a visit, call us on weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm at +386 41 524 069 or e-mail us at: [email protected]. |
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Jernej Bortolato, stonemason
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Jernej has been self-employed as a stonemason since 2006; prior to that time he had worked as an amateur stonemason since 1996. In 1999 he gained the ART&CRAFT certificate of the expert commission for local and artistic crafts from the Slovenian Chamber of Crafts and Small Business, and ten years later, in 2009, he also passed the Master Craftsman exam and earned the title of Master Stonemason.
His works are made mostly from Karst limestone , and designed in keeping with traditional forms and functions. He finds it especially gratifying when his stone pieces find a practical and not merely decorative function with their new owners. Jernej collaborates frequently with industrial designers, including Oskar Kogoj, and with the vocational college in Sežana, where he mentors students in their practical work. Since 1999 he has been working with designer Andraž Debeljak in designing products. Andraž has an excellent command of the material, knows how to listen to craftsmen, and in collaboration with Jernej devotes attention to the marketing side of things. Together they have developed a range of sophisticated products, such as a series of glasses for Teran wine and spirits with stone bases and blown crystal goblets. In addition to cooperating with other professionals, Jernej is an active member of the local community and the regional Chamber of Crafts and Small Business and participates in the organization of events, including the Festival of Stone, which is devoted to acquainting the broader public with traditional stonemasonry and promoting Karst stone and architecture. Prizes and awards: 2007 Slovenian Souvenir Award 2007 Bronze Quality Award 2007 Award for 2nd place for tourist souvenirs from the Municipality of Komen 2009 Bronze Key for long-term successful work in crafts 2009 Award for 2nd place for tourist souvenirs from the Municipality of Sežana 2010 Golden Tendril for a creative work of significance in the field of artistic crafts in Slovenia, awarded by the Slovenian Chamber of Crafts and Small Business |
Foto: Sindi Štor
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