When did you decide to pursue this craft?
The moment I held a fragment of an old Roman amphora and noted the artisan’s fingerprints immortalized in the clay. This made me realise that creating a ceramic sculpture will outlive the artist, a personal imprint to be remembered by.
Why did you choose this career?
I first came into contact with ceramics while studying in Perugia. This is when I fell in love with clay and its four indispensable elements – earth, water, air and fire. In Faenza, master Manlio Tassinari, taught me that clay is not to be beaten but demands respect when handling it. This perspective ignited a with passion for ceramics.
©Thomas Scerri
What do you love most about your profession?
Being an introvert, creating sculptures is my way of portraying my expression, my opinions, reflecting my observations of people and all that surrounds me. My art is the result of my own inner self, it is my voice narrating my life experience in a subtle way.
What is your advice to young ceramicists?
I would encourage them to hold a deep respect for the material, which provides an infinite spectrum of ideas, to imprint their personalities in their creations. I would also tell them not to follow the grain like everyone else, for the sake of being accepted.