A path not to be missed
- Elisabetta has a background in sculpture and illustration
- Bizarre shapes and esotericism are the themes that characterise her creations
- She organises workshops to share her great passion for ceramics
Elisabetta D'Arienzo speaks with great enthusiasm about her craft and her profession. "Ceramics, says Elisabetta, have not always been my passion but became so by chance." Initially she entered the world of ceramics as a stopgap, on a pause between other professional decisions. However, very quickly, Elisabetta was sucked in by the strong ceramic tradition in the region around Vietri sul Mare, and the variety of roles available in this sector. With practice and dedication, she discovered the great potential of clay, and it slowly grew into a profound passion of hers. "As a medium, clay allows me to express myself in a unique and personal way, which I still enjoy," she says. Today, Elisabetta feels proud and honoured to be part of the thriving community of local ceramicists in Vietri sul Mare. Together with them and through her works, she is engaged daily in defending the values of handmade production, from the threats of serial and impersonal manufacturing, which put a strain on this centuries-old tradition.
Interview
- What training did you follow?
- I started by studying sculpture in high school, followed by a few years at the academy in Naples. I worked in ceramic workshops, but did not feel fulfilled, so I gave up sculpture to enrol in the Scuola italiana di Comix. It was upon my return to Vietri sul Mare that I rediscovered clay and realised that this was my path.
- Why did you choose this profession?
- I think what got me hooked on pottery was the freedom of expression that this craft offers. I am convinced that in a highly standardised society such as ours, it is necessary to use art as a means of free expression. Ceramics has allowed me to unleash my creativity and my thoughts, and give them form. My creations are somewhat unconventional like me and they all represent me.
- How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?
- In my work, I express tradition through the working methodology. I believe in craftsmanship and the techniques I use are traditional ones. Innovation, on the other hand, comes from the extravagant and unconventional shapes I create. A recurring theme in my production is The Freak. I take inspiration from various elements, especially nature and esotericism, which I then interpret in my own way.
- What do you love most about being a ceramicist?
- One aspect I really love about my profession is the contact with the public. I tutor young people who are new to pottery. One of the most valuable lessons I feel I can give them is to be free to express themselves through the medium of clay and to create unique and personal objects. These moments are as precious to them as they are to me, because they enrich me both on a human level as well as professionally.
Elisabetta D’Arienzo is a master artisan: she began her career in 2010 and she started teaching in 2015
Works
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Elisabetta D’Arienzo
