Homo Faber

PRESS EN Languages Account Follow us Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter
|
Presented by logo Homo Faber by Michelangelo Foundation
Explore Artisans Museums & Galleries Experience Itineraries About
©All rights reserved
©All rights reserved
©All rights reserved
©All rights reserved

Riccardo Monte

  • Wood sculptor
  • Ornavasso, Italy
  • Master Artisan
Riccardo Monte Wood sculptor
Contact
Italian, English
Hours:
By appointment only
Phone:
+39 3663645822
©Alessandra Lanniello

The shape of wood

  • • Riccardo is a multidisciplinary architect and artisan
  • • His workshop is located in a small village in the Italian Alps
  • • He employs traditional techniques with a modern approach

Riccardo Monte runs RMD – a creative studio based in the Italian Alps. He is a multidisciplinary architect and artisan working across product, furniture and architectural design. Following eight years of work as an architect in London, in 2016 he returned to Ornavasso, in northern Italy, his home town. His practice is defined by slow craftsmanship and a dedication to material authenticity. Riccardo creates unique furniture, inspired by the principles of beauty, simplicity, longevity and craftsmanship. He is directly involved in the design and the handmade process of each product. His final pieces, whether small-scale art objects, furniture, homeware or architecture find richness in imperfection and elegance in simplicity. All materials are sourced locally and he employs traditional techniques in his execution with a modern approach.

Read the full interview

Works

  • ©Katie May
  • ©All rights reserved
  • ©All rights reserved
  • ©All rights reserved
  • ©All rights reserved
Photo: ©Katie May
Large charred bench

Inspired by Walser architecture, this work reveals at its best the idea of authenticity and simplicity of Riccardo’s works. Made from local larch grown on the high peaks of the Italian Alps, the bench is assembled with just timber nails. Fire is the finish, enhancing its contemporary and timeless character. This is sculptural furniture at its best.

Length 250 cm
Width 25 cm
Height 45 cm

Photo: ©All rights reserved
Short bench

The short bench, or Panchetta corta, is made directly from a tree trunk, hand carved and treated naturally. The timber, cedar, has a strong balsamic and aromatic scent. In Riccardo’s woodworking he has kept the texture and marks made in its creation. The top has a smooth natural finish enhancing the beautiful grain.

Length 80 cm
Width 30 cm
Height 32 cm

Photo: ©All rights reserved
Panchetta blonde

This cedar bench, Panchetta blonde, is made directly from a tree trunk, then carved by hand and treated naturally. The cedar has a strong balsamic and aromatic scent. The markings, the result of woodworking, give character and authenticity to this piece.

Length 125 cm
Width 30 cm
Height 32 cm

Photo: ©All rights reserved
Rustic boards

Riccardo uses aged and weathered timber and cleverly repurposes it into these simple sculptural forms. These serving boards are quirky and playful pieces, each one is individual with its own shape and character. Imperfections stand out instead of being hidden, increasing the beauty of the original object and giving it new life.

Length 7 cm
Width 6 cm
Height 4 cm
Length 43 cm
Width 24 cm
Height 4 cm

Photo: ©All rights reserved
Agamemnon

Agamemnon is hand crafted from Italian oak with a natural finish. A simple, primitive form highlights the strength of the oak and the energy it has. A playful design, compact and bold, this stool has beautiful dimensions and a clarity of purpose.

Length 40 cm
Width 22 cm
Height 30 cm

You may also like

Download the app

Find all the Homo Faber Guide content at hand, save, like and much more!