My name is Carmine De Cristofaro; I was born and raised in Castellammare di Stabia, in the shadow of Vesuvius. From a very young age, I have always been drawn to meticulous work: it was the small details that captured my attention and fuelled my curiosity.
As I grew up, I chose to honour our family traditions. It all began with my grandmother’s small neighbourhood shop, which was then run with dedication by my mother. After finishing my studies, we decided to broaden our horizons by opening a supermarket, but I felt that my path was leading me elsewhere. Driven by a desire to pursue excellence, I opened my own shop in the town centre: a treasure trove dedicated to products of the highest quality, both Italian and international.
It was in this context that I discovered Spain, its traditions and, above all, the art of the Cortadores. I was struck by the precision and charm of hand-cutting. I began to study these techniques as a self-taught practitioner, feeling a growing need to delve into every secret of this art.
What began as a curiosity became a mission. In 2020 came my first major accolade: the title of “Maestro di Lama” awarded to me by the Guida ai Salumi d’Italia, a milestone I have proudly upheld in the years since.
Today, that passion has become my way of life. I present myself to you as a professional carver, ready to bring excellence and the art of carving throughout Italy and beyond.