Giovanna Sposato

Signora Luna

Paper artist

A golden era for upcycling

Giovanna specialises in handmaking gold leaf and recycled paper artworks
She moved to Calabria to collaborate with her native region's artists
Her research is focused on making papier mâché vases with discarded cardboard

Giovanna Sposato is an interdisciplinary paper artist who experiments with different materials. "My practice is shaped by the intersection of research and craftsmanship," she says. Giovanna studied architecture and worked in Florence for several years as a restorer, specialising in the use of gold leaf. After moving back to her native Calabria, she founded Signora Luna where she collaborates with local artisans to make her objects. "I worked with traditional Seminara ceramicists and introduced gold leaf to the craft for the first time," Giovanna says. Today, she transforms discarded packaging carboard into papier mâché vases, which she also decorates with her signature touch of gold leaf. She presented this project at the Edit Napoli design fair in 2024, pioneering with her contrasting use of materials.

Interview

What paths led you to be the maker your are today?: I studied architecture and specialised in restoration and the use of gold leaf. During my time at a restoration workshop in Florence, I delved into different techniques – each of them has contributed to who I am today. My curiosity has always driven me to experiment with various materials and participate in art shows where I learn a lot from the exchanges I have with fellow creatives.
Why did you move back to Calabria?: My connection to my roots has always been strong. As a maker I am nourished by art, nature and popular traditions seen through a contemporary lens. Calabria is home to a lot of traditional craftsmanship, and I value my collaborations with other artisans.
How did your journey with papier mâché start?: My research is multidisciplinary. In 2023, I started reflecting on how paper is used nowadays, and I learned that a great amount of it gets discarded, especially in e-commerce packaging. I began making papier mâché vases with unconventional gold leaf decorations, which is my take on caring for the environment.
What does Signora Luna mean to you?: I always wanted to have a studio in Calabria where I could be immersed in its culture and art. I want to create a connection between my roots and everything I have learned so far. This is the essence of Signora Luna, where innovation and tradition are complementary.

Giovanna Sposato is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2009