Denis Di Luca

Ceramicist

©Denis Di Luca

A passion for raku

Denis is a raku master
He built his firing kiln himself
Every piece he makes is unrepeatable

Denis Di Luca was born in Urbino, where he displayed a natural talent for craftsmanship, leading him to study Industrial Design at the University of San Marino. He was only 18 and a freshman when he discovered Raku, the ancient Japanese technique used for tea ceremony pottery, and fell in love with it. "Raku firing consists in removing the fired piece from the kiln and cooling it quickly, thus producing a cracked effect that is both unpredictable and unrepeatable," he explains. Determined to turn his passion for ceramics into his profession, Denis spent four years in the UK, where he honed his skills. Eventually he moved back to Urbino, and in 2020 opened his studio, equipped with a Raku kiln that he built himself. Today, he continues to produce a various range of decorative objects and sculptures, as well as functional items, each embodying the harmony of earth, fire, water, and air.

Interview

©Denis Di Luca

©Denis Di Luca

Is traditional raku the only technique you use?: Not at all. I often work with naked raku, in which smoke penetrates the thin clay; Raku Dolce from Arezzo, characterised by coral-coloured clay; Saggar firing, where a container protects the piece in the kiln, Obvara firing, and many other alternative firing methods. I like to experiment with them all, often combining two or more in the same piece. I also work with stoneware clay to create functional pieces.
What is the key feature of your creations?: Simple shapes and clear lines on the one hand, derived from my design background, and a creative twist on the other, which is strictly connected with raku and its intrinsic randomness. They perfectly represent my dual vocation for design and art.
Where do you get your inspiration from?: Mostly from travelling and observing the world around me. If I see a bridge, a building, or even a gesture, something clicks in my mind. Living amid nature provides me with countless ideas for various projects. I also find inspiration in the people I encounter during my international workshops.
Do you ever work on commission?: Yes, and I particularly enjoy it when it involves collaborating with architects and interior designers. It is very interesting and rewarding to work with others and carry out a project from beginning to end. Most of my commissions come from individuals looking to add a unique, original touch to their homes.

Denis Di Luca is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2009 and he started teaching in 2019