Curriculum Vitae

I make half-life-size figurative ceramic sculptures, mostly headless figures and busts, at times incorporating wood or metal.
My sculptures are troubled, pensive. They look out to the world, seeking to capture the viewer’s attention and to report about the state of the times we live in.

I put particular attention in shaping facial expressions and gestures. In the absence of spoken language, my subjects “converse” with the viewer through their gaze and position of hands.
I choose simple finishes to honor the beautiful natural hues of the clay.

I am currently working on a series of figurative sculptures in red clay, titled “Osservatori” – “Observers”.

Born and raised in Parma , Italy, I moved to California in 2005 and started sculpting in 2013 when I first laid my hands on clay. Since then, I have devoted myself exclusively to the learning of this old material that I find incredibly giving and merciful.
I apprenticed with sculptor Deborah Bridges for five years in Grass Valley and was very fortunate to have her as my mentor. Working in stoneware, I use a combination of techniques for sculpting: slabs, coiling and building from a solid block of clay which is carved out later. Most of my finishes are a combination of glazes and cold finish.