A textural interplay with clay
- Daria's pieces are characterised by their textures
- She founded her workshop Mani Milano Lab in 2021
- She collaborates with other artisans, architects and designers
Daria Dazzan's background in textiles serves as the foundation for her work in ceramics, the one craft inspiring and nourishing the other. Today, she creates her one-of-a-kind pieces in the workshop she founded in 2021, Mani Milano Lab, in Milan. Daria often works on collaborations with designers and architects. "I strongly believe in the value of sharing and local networking," she says. Daria constantly researches materials, techniques and making processes, to stay in dialogue with the cultural and productive identity of Milan. Her pieces are textural, as she focuses on glazes, surfaces and colour. "I often think of ceramic as a fabric to be shaped, built up in layers and constructed," Daria explains.
Interview
- How has your background impacted your ceramics?
- My experience in fashion and textile design has left a deep mark on me. I create very textural and chromatic effects that evoke embroidery, textured textiles and organic materials.
- Where does your work sit between tradition and innovation?
- Tradition is present in the gestures, the slow times of the making process and the use of earth and materials, which I deeply respect. Innovation comes in through research. I experiment with unusual combinations of glazes and hybrid shapes between functional and sculptural objects.
- What is your favourite aspect of your craft?
- I love the moment I turn my phone off. The material takes shape in my hands, and my thoughts are translated into volume. I also love the unpredictability of ceramics: fire can confirm or transform the object. There is always an aspect of surprise and dialogue with the element.
- How much do you think people know about ceramics?
- I can say from experience that people think that ceramics are a slow but predictable art. In fact, every step from drying to firing is unpredictable and physically demanding. On the maker’s side, it takes a great deal of adaptability and continuous technical refinement.
Daria Dazzan is a rising star: she began her career in 2017 and she started teaching in 2021
Where
Daria Dazzan
