Many artisans are inspired by nature, but not you...
Clay reminds me of my childhood, so there is something rural in me as well, but growing up I was always interested in materials. When I worked on construction sites, I would collect all sorts of items which I would then observe, fascinated by their possibilities.
What are the different steps in your process?
I develop a mould which I fill with clay, then add two or three pieces a day, to avoid the piece collapsing. Once what I have devised in my mind is finished, the sculpture is fired, then polished and finally glazed. I like to achieve different textures, so I sometimes use engobe and fire it again.
© J.Santaugini
Is this a very time consuming process?
Indeed, it may take up to two months per piece, which is why I work on several at a time. A lot of discipline and patience is required; it is a solitary craft, but I like the idea of knowing where I want to go. That's why I never sketch beforehand, it would be like allowing someone else to craft my piece.
How would you define what you do?
It is like a game, but a responsible one. At some point I decided to devote myself to sculpting; my passion became my profession and I had to be clear in my mind that I had many responsibilities to fulfil, that in order to be a craftsman I had to commit to discipline, time and painstaking work.