Andrea D’Agostino
Modern-day alchemy
- Andrea is a master of metals
- He specialises in the mokume gane technique
- His unique creations are inspired by Venice
Born and raised in Venice, as he proudly says, Andrea D’Agostino graduated as Master of metals and Goldsmith at the Carmini Art Institute in 1981. In 1988 he founded Bottega Orafa ABC, where he creates handmade customised jewellery. Over the years, his specialised knowledge of metals and his deep passion for goldsmithing have taken him to refine very peculiar and complex methods, such as Etruscan granulation and mokume gane. These techniques he also teaches. Thanks to his expertise on metals, he has worked with CNR (National Council of Research) and has collaborated with his brother, a chemist. Inspired by the artistic richness and the atmosphere of Venice, Andrea crafts unique pieces using stones, many different metals, among which titanium and other materials.
Interview
- How did you come to specialise in mokume gane?
- It is a very laborious technique. You need to be an expert in goldsmithing, otherwise it is unapproachable. I have always been attracted to the alchemy of metals: giving shape to metals is essential for a goldsmith. And mokume gane is pure alchemy of metals.
- You also love titanium: what is special about it?
- Titanium is a noble, light, resistant metal, unassailable by most acids, hypoallergenic and able to adopt a variety of shades, although its natural gray is also beautiful. It can be laminated, laser or tungsten welded: in short, it is suitable to a wide range of processes and as such a wide range of aesthetic results.
- How do you merge tradition and innovation in your work?
- I combine ancient and consolidated techniques with contemporary innovations, in particular computer-aided design (CAD) and the use of CNC (computer numerical control) milling machine, for higher precision. This is alchemy, in 2022. The space of creativity is infinite.
- What aspect of your profession do you love the most?
- I love being in symbiosis with the metal, shaping and forging it. My craft lets me see the world in a different way, from a different perspective because of the curiosity and receptivity to the smallest detail that a goldsmith develops.
Andrea D’Agostino is a master artisan: he began his career in 1988 and he started teaching in 1995
Where
Andrea D’Agostino
