Artisans of the Valdichiana Senese Tell the Story of Their Creations
From Impulse to Passion: the story of a decorator who found her path through color
Some journeys begin by chance—or perhaps by destiny. The story of Valentina Corbelli, a ceramic decorator from Torrita di Siena, is one of these: a tale shaped by fortunate encounters, unexpected choices, and a passion that, step by step, found its truest form among brushes, glazes, and Tuscan landscapes.
“I started out of pure impulse,” Valentina says with a smile. After enrolling in the Art Institute almost by accident—she had actually wanted to become a hairdresser—she never imagined that creativity would become her profession. “I didn’t feel particularly gifted, but my teachers made me fall in love with it.”
The first laboratory
After graduating, a bureaucratic mistake kept her from pursuing her dream of becoming a physiotherapist and instead led her to a grape harvest that changed her life. “There I met a girl who did decoupage. She suggested opening a hobby shop together in Torrita. I was twenty years old, it had never crossed my mind, but her enthusiasm—and my parents’ support—swept me along.”
And so, almost playfully, Valentina’s first workshop was born under the arch of Porta Nova in the historic center of the village. “Looking back, what I was making then was very simple, but people’s trust helped me grow.” After three years, she moved her shop across from the train station, where she stayed for over a decade as her work evolved: art supplies gradually gave way to ceramic decoration, research, and meticulous craftsmanship.
In 2018 she chose a fresh start: the workshop moved into part of her home, where she now works on commission for shops across the Valdichiana Senese, the Arezzo area, and even Upper Umbria. “By choice, I collaborate with only one shop per town. I select who I work with. I paint ceramics from Deruta and create personalized pieces only on request.”
Work as constant professional growth
Behind every cup, plate, or hand-painted tile lies Valentina’s unmistakable touch: delicate, poetic, able to capture the breath of the Tuscan landscape. “People say my style is very distinctive, but I see it as the result of years of trials—of ‘awful things,’ as I call them. I’ve always put myself at the service of my customers’ wishes, trying to interpret every request with care and love.”
What truly defines her is her constant professional growth. “I remember one of my very first decorating jobs, in a friend’s house. I considered it my masterpiece. Years later, when I created my website, I asked to photograph it. When I saw it again, I was embarrassed—I saw mistakes everywhere! But then I realized it was part of the journey, and that too made me grow.”
Even in commissioned work, Valentina finds the creative freedom she enjoys most. “I love making personalized pieces. For my son’s baptism, for instance, I made a small cup for each relative with a little vignette representing them, along with a note that said: ‘This is how I see you…’.” Her creations are highly sought after as favors—unique, small treasures that tell personal stories. “What makes me happiest is knowing that whoever receives them carries with them something authentic, handmade, created just for them.”
Ties with the territory
Her bond with Torrita di Siena is profound. “There’s an ancient tradition of pottery here. Growing up in this environment definitely influenced me. And when I had the honor of painting the Palio of Torrita di Siena, I poured all my imagination and love for my town into it.” Today, beyond her work, Valentina is an active member of the community: she is part of the local Sbandieratori and Tamburini group, where she helps with costumes. “I love feeling part of a tradition, of a celebration that unites everyone.”
In her workshop, Valentina welcomes anyone who wants to explore the world of ceramic decoration and organizes hands-on experiences on request, sharing with others the joy of creating with their own hands.
“I don’t call myself an artist,” she concludes, “because I never painted for myself. An artist paints out of a personal need, regardless of everything else. I see painting as a job: there was a commission, a request, a wish to fulfill. Like in all families: ‘the cobbler’s children have no shoes’… and at home I don’t have frescoed walls or special ceramics.”
A simple, sincere reflection that captures the essence of true craftsmanship: transforming love for one’s work into gestures that speak of humanity, dedication, and a deep connection to place.
Valentina Corbelli is just one of the many artisans creating unique works in the Valdichiana Senese. In the coming weeks, we will share the stories of other master artisans who open the doors of their workshops every day to craft ceramics, musical instruments, jewelry, and more. Follow us to discover them all.
And if you missed it, take a look at our video to see the artisans at work.
If you’re curious to meet Valentina and the other artisans of the Valdichiana Senese in person, book the Valdichiana Living Artisans Tour.
For a full immersion into the area, we also created a 3-day stay designed to explore the Valdichiana Senese, visit its artisan workshops, and enjoy its traditional food. Take a look here.