What made you decide to leave Caltagirone?
Ilaria: Caltigirone is famed for its traditional style of ceramics, we wanted to explore contemporary designs. I had done a workshop in Faenza years ago, and remembered well the modern approach, so I travelled there to study product development. We didn't look back.
What would you say defines your work today?
Giampaolo: Our purpose is to keep the old craft alive while translating it into a contemporary language. We do everything on the lathe, no moulds, and all pieces are absolutely unique. In Caltagirone it’s all about 17th and 18th centuries decorations, Moor’s Heads and such, we like to explore beyond that.
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What do you like about living and working in Faenza?
Ilaria: It is an important crossroad: you can easily get here and there are many exhibitions and artists all the time. At first we collaborated with other ceramicists and worked with them in a co-working space. In 2022 we opened our workshop in the historic centre of Faenza. We enjoy interacting with artists from other disciplines, too.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your work?
Giampaolo: There’s something primordial in our designs, something from the Bronze Age, or more simply from the nature that surrounds us. During the Covid-19 lockdown we came up with the Chrysalis collection: this represents our seclusion but at the same time, our evolution.