I am Francesco Scherma, sculptor and craftsman of pupi (puppets).
My workshop is multifaceted, reflecting the grand Palermitan artisanal tradition, ranging from the production of metalwork, to that of puppets and even ceramics.
I stay within a historic building that I live as a place for encounters, divulgation, and constructive dialogue with other artisans. Palazzo Pantelleria is located in the city center, between via dei Materassi and via dell’Argenteria Vecchia, behind Piazza San Domenico, in the historic district of Loggia.
My education was an artistic one: I studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in my city and I graduated in sculpture.
I owe who I am, however, to the stories of my grandfather, who was a builder of Sicilian carts. Through his stories, he transmitted me his passion for craftsmanship and for Palermo itself.
To date, there are only few artisans who dedicate themselves to the Opera dei Pupi (Opera of the Puppets).
My points of reference in this area are the Argento family and the Bombello family, with whom I collaborate.
I learned all I know from them, and today I am able to carry out almost all the necessary steps to create a whole theater like the one you see behind me.
It is a beautiful part of history, one that I love to make known, and I would like to bring you to discover its secrets.
The creation of a pupo is a very complex process, and requires a good technical preparation in the working of different materials: from wood, to paintwork, to scenography, and to metalwork.
From the moment a pupo is created, it is human. The puppeteer himself adopts it, a bit like Geppetto does with Pinocchio; that is, he treats it like a real son.