How did you become a ceramicist?
There are no artisans in my family. I was supposed to be an agronomist, but working with ceramics has always been what I loved most, so I made it my job. The turning point happened around 37 years ago: after an enlightening meeting with a ceramicist, I came home and built my first potter’s wheel.
What do you create?
Unique pieces for daily use. I am a typical studio potter, mastering the whole creation process. I make all my tools, I prepare my clays and glazes, I fire in my gas kiln or, once a year, go to a French village, La Borne, to fire in a wood kiln. I love working with high temperatures: fire emphasises the uniqueness of each piece.
© Riccardo Rossi
Is there a specific style or tradition that inspires you?
There is no tradition for high temperatures in my region. I started from scratch. I learned a lot from other ceramicists but also from the teachings of Daniel de Montmollin and Bernard Leach. I am also fascinated by Japanese Mingei philosophy and its research into pureness and beauty in objects of daily use.
What does 'well made' mean to you?
There are two main aspects. One is the craftsman’s actions, which must be recognisable in the end result. The other is honesty; honesty related to the function but also to the story of an object with regards to the relationship between the maker, the object itself and the buyer.