Photos from my latest trip to Italy in Oct-Nov 20007.

As the Texas delegate of an official mission invited to survey some of Italy's lesser known stones, I had the opportunity to visit some of the most traditional quarries in operation today, dating back to pre-Roman times.

There the art of extracting and working stones has been developed by countless generations of artisans who dedicated their lives to this proud trade. In these mountains stone is not an architectural accessory; rather, as a durable and abundant building material, it became essential to the very existence of life. Foundations, walls, roofs, flooring, hearths, and even cooking surfaces and furniture are made from the local stones, and protect men and animals from the rigors of nature and the long cold nights of winter.

Different stones, with their unique strengths, beauty, and possibilities were harmoniously brought together to construct homes and towns, and through the centuries they came to be an integral element of the life, art, and culture of the civilization they surrounded and sheltered.

As an Italian citizen from the Lombardia whose own family is also immersed in stone, I feel honored to have met, high up in the mountains, the modern participants in this noble trade - direct descendents of the people who initiated it hundreds and thousands of year ago. Following in ancient footsteps, today they use the latest machinery to accomplish the same goal as their forefathers, and keep alive and well this rich tradition of creating living spaces in natural stone.

This mission was superbly organized and fully sponsored by Gli Operatori del Settore Lapideo, Regione Lombardia, Camera di Commercio di Sondrio, Banca Popolare di Sondrio, Camera di Commercio di Bergamo, and the Sviluppo Lazio (Provincia di Roma). To all my heartfelt Thank You.