About me
My story
I am Bertie Franke, a Netherlands-born artist and ceramist. My work is a continuous dialogue between my Dutch design roots and the ancient textures of the world. After studying Interior Architecture at the Willem de Kooning Academie in Rotterdam, I followed a lifelong passion for paper and form to Italy, where I have resided since 2015.
My journey with paper began in childhood, shaped by the sisters of the convent where my mother worked, who taught me the precise, meditative art of Origami. Today, that discipline lives on in my studio, where I produce handmade journals, watercolor booklets, and "exposed" bindings that celebrate the structural soul of the book.
Mission and Vision
My Mission is to blend the functional minimalism of Dutch design with the soul of ancient handcraft. By working with paper, clay, fire, textiles, and stone, I create high-quality, unique pieces that celebrate the beauty of slow making and conscious craftsmanship.
My Vision is to redefine the "souvenir" as a lasting piece of art. I envision a world where objects carry stories across borders, connecting ancient heritage to modern, clean aesthetics. I strive to offer every traveler a meaningful fragment of Bolsena, reimagined through a refined Northern lens.
Studio and shop
After opening my Ceramics studio in Gradoli, I expanded in 2024 to a second creative space in the heart of Bolsena. Here, my work bridges cultures and techniques:
Functional Art: Hand-bound agendas and journals featuring Italian eco-leather and quirky, artistic papers.
Ancient Fire: Raku ceramics and pieces inspired by Etruscan Bucchero, marked with sacred symbols like the Labyrinth and the Flower of Life.
Tactile Art: Origami Wall Art, Pebble Art, and spiritual textiles.
My collection is artistic, idiosyncratic, and deeply spiritual. I invite you to visit my studio or shop and experience a place where heritage meets modern design.