When and how did you first approach art?
My father is a painter and has always encouraged me to become an artist. When I was 12, he began taking me to his studio, where I learned to make portraits and sculptures. Back then, I would have preferred to play football, but now I am grateful for his persistence.
How would you define yourself as an artist?
I’m a plastic artist and sculptor giving form to matter. What I like most is dealing with the manufacturing process of ceramics from beginning to end, from shaping the clay into plaster moulds to decorating, glazing and firing.
© Matteo Buoso
Do you have a favourite subject for your artworks?
I love focusing on faces. Since I started making portraits, I’ve been fascinated by the fact that even though we all have eyes, noses and mouths, everybody is different from one another. But it’s also in homage to the African belief that the human soul resides in the head.
Does Africa play an important role in your creations?
Yes. I made a vase to commemorate migrants crossing the Mediterranean, a sculpture representing children who reclaim their cultural heritage. Gilded surfaces are to me a symbol of inclusivity, because they reflect whatever is around them, overcoming racism.