Giuliana Collu

Ceramicist

©Massimo Loi

©pierluigi dessì / confinivisivi

©Massimo Loi

A Sardinian charm

Giuliana creates her sculptures and furnishings in Selargius
She is fascinated by human archetypes and natural geometry
Sardinia's sealife and land creatures inspire her

Born in Assemini, renowned for its ancient pottery tradition, Giuliana Collu learned the techniques of this craft from her uncles, developing a passion for clay. She’s never stopped her artistic research, exploring themes and archetypes, experimenting with new shapes and colours, clays and glazes. Deeply rooted in her beloved Sardinia, Giuliana also keeps her eyes open to other cultures, such as the Japanese tradition of ceramic making. In her workshop in Selargius, she makes sculptures and furnishings, in a neverending investigation of archaic symbols and nature, charmed by sealife and the Earth's creatures. Professionally trained through courses and apprenticeships with great masters, she has participated in exhibitions in Italy and abroad, and has been awarded several prizes.

Interview

©pierluigi dessì / confinivisivi

©pierluigi dessì / confinivisivi

Where do you find inspiration for your artworks?: There are many diverse sources. My love for Sardinia, for its ancient prehistoric culture and its nature. The colours of the Mediterranean Sea, the textures of the earth. I’m also interested in Japanese culture, from which I learned a more contemplative way to look at nature.
Is this a sort of cultural symbiosis for you?: Yes, definitely. I am deeply rooted in Sardinia, but my research is centred on the whole human experience. During my journeys around the world to Cambodia, Tunisia, Morocco, everywhere – I’ve found beauty, both in the different civilizations and in the places.
Who are your “Bellas Animeddas”?: They’re “Small Pretty Souls”, in the Sardinian language: wrapped in their red cape, they are symbols of the Sardinian women wearing a traditional costume, during the Feast of S. Efisio in Cagliari. The series is my tribute to these elegant, slinky, sweet ladies.
Do you have a technical specialty?: I’ve always experimented a lot. I’d say that my work is “tailoring”: starting from an idea on a template, I make a model, I then work on it. I also create my own glazes, looking for particular textural effects and a sort of colour depth. I create my own coloured clays as well.

Giuliana Collu is a master artisan: she began her career in 2006 and she started teaching in 2008