Painted Lanterns
When Maria Semple migrated to Australia 10 years ago she never imagined that one day she would take on the mission of bringing the joyful colour of her homeland to suburban Australia. But after a visit home in 1996 she returned so inspired that she decided to show Australians some examples of real Venezuelan ceramics. They loved them! Three years later and Maria, with the help of her two Australian sons and some South American friends, has a thriving business producing unique lanterns which reflect the vibrancy and spirit of the small villages she loves. She calls her business Tierra & Fuego which means Earth and Fire. Maria says she has no formal art training but was always creative and fascinated by ceramics.
The Lanterns
There are 8-10 main designs of different sizes. They can be used with tea-candles, citronella candles, mosquito coils and one of the larger designs has recently been adapted to take a light bulb. The Mini Ranchito lanterns are inspired by the tiny houses which dot the hillsides around Caracas, the Venezuelan capital. They can be used as simple lanterns or as oil burners. Larger Country Style houses include verandahs and lofts, and even climbing vines and shrubs. The Lighthouse Lanterns are inspired by the majestic lighthouses along Australia’s coastline.
How they’re made
The lanterns are first thrown on a potter’s wheel and then, while the clay is still soft, each one is intricately carved and engraved before being fired, painted and individually decorated. Maria uses quality Australian terracotta and acrylic paints so that her lanterns will be equally at home indoors or out. She attributes her success to the hand-crafted uniqueness of each piece.
Price & availability
The lanterns range in price from $55 for the Mini Ranchito (or small hut) to $130 for a Hacienda. Lighthouses cost from $55 to $86. Lamps with electric fittings are $270. Maria also paints tiles (from $34 framed) and does Native Art paintings (from $300) and cards ($4 each). Tierra & Fuego’s ceramics are available through specialty stores in all States. For your nearest stockist contact Maria Semple by phone or by fax.
Contact information
Maria Semple, PO Box 765, Dandenong, VIC, 3175.
Phone & Fax: (03) 9700 3512 Mob: 0408 547 608
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mbn.com.au/mall/tierrafuego/