Gabriella Gabrini

Enameller

The lady of enamel with an African soul

Gabriella's grandfather was a goldsmith, her mother a ceramicist
She has worked with big names including Melotti and Fornasetti
The art of enamel developed in Egypt to decorate jewels

A sheet of paper and a piece of charcoal: this is where the creative process of Gabriella Gabrini, a master of enamelled metal, begins. With each stroke, her objects come to life, and when the sketch is completed, Gabriella copies the drawing on to a new sheet of paper and starts working. She likes to work quickly, and her immense curiosity is not easily reconciled with the long making process required of other materials, such as ceramics, which she used to work with after graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice, before turning to metal enamelling. “I have to be patient, because otherwise I could not work in this craft, but at the same time I am eager to discover how my creations develop.”

Where

Interview

You learned the art of enamel on metal from Paolo De Poli, a great master.: I worked in his studio for 23 years, and I owe everything to him. Although I used to work with another material, when I was a young woman, he spotted talent and potential in me. I was immediately fascinated by the world of enamel, and I started studying the physical and chemical properties of all metals.
Do you remember the first object you made on your own?: It’s impossible to forget: the friars of the Basilica of Saint Anthony commissioned a 2m tondo. I still remember the surprised look on their faces when they saw me, a woman, arrive. To this day, metalworking is predominantly a male occupation.
How did you manage to persuade them to give you the commission?: With the strength of my ideas and the beauty of the project. After the friars had met to decide to whom they would give the assignment, they summoned me to inform me that I had been chosen among all other artisans. One of the friars felt the need to specify one thing: “Please do not use any pink,” he told me.
What inspires your harmonious designs?: Nature, especially from Africa. I have a special longing for Africa, I am fascinated by the culture, by the tribal art that is expressed in their utensils and masks. In my works, I always try to recreate the shapes of the plants and flowers that I have seen on my travels, especially in the Tsavo National Park.

Gabriella Gabrini is a master artisan: she began her career in 1970 and she started teaching in 1980