INTERVIEW WITH MR. LEPORE GIANNI

How and when did you start with your job?

I started to work at the age of 14 as a bricklayer and worked for 20 years for an enterprise of fine arts. I started to practice this profession thanks to my father and my brother, as they were bricklayers too, in fact I learned the job from my father and older people with experience in this field.

Do you still work?

Yes, but not full time.

Where do you find the materials?

I find them everywhere; every place has generally a different kind of stone. In Gemona we can find a type of stone that crumbles easily, while in Artegna we can find a stone “a vene”, hard to work, ideal for the building of dry stone walls. In Torreano instead,we can find a type of stone that is easier to work with.I think the choice of the stones on the wall is very important, because I'm really fussy and I want to be sure that my work is long-lasting. Regarding the timing of the choice of the stones, they are quite long, but compared to the beginning,they have shortened,thanks to my experience developed over time.

Which are the main steps of the work?

They are: the site inspection, the wall setting strategy and of course the building phase.

What is the most delicate step?

The facade of the wall.

Which are the risks to avoid?

To make sure that the wall lasts over time it is necessary to keep the wall clean from the growth of the ivy. In fact ivy represents a real danger for the construction as over time it tends to pierce the wall, with the subsequent risk of causing a kind of stone with particular “reims”. Furthermore, the drainage phase (placing of stone pebbles) is fundamental, because without it the building would move.

Which tools are used most?

In addition to the classic tools, the “scapezzatore” (manual chisel with a flat blade, of particularly hard construction) is widely used.

What are the stages that can represent the risks of an accident?

Stone processing.

Do you usually work in a team or alone?

Although people may be involved, I usually work alone.

What is the difference between a terracing wall and a more classic one?

The terraced wall requires much more time both for the preparation of the stones and for its construction itself.

What was your last work?

There was a wall with mortar at my house that I haven't completed yet.

Which work satisfied you the most?

The handmade works in Montenars, two walls built for a construction company gave me great satisfaction; however, my greatest joy is when I work for my house.