Revisiting the archaic roots of pottery
- Primitive techniques are at the core of Onofrio's work
- The tools he uses are often borrowed from nature
- His enamels are inspired by the colours of the Amalfi coast
“When I was five years old, my parents started a ceramic workshop in our garage,” recalls Onofrio Acone. “Every child likes to play with clay, and I was literally surrounded by it.” With time, what started as a small family business in the outskirts of Salerno became a fully-fledged industry. Onofrio still explores the potential of ceramics using just his hands and rudimentary techniques. “When I create a ceramic object, I concentrate exclusively on the raw material in my hands. The shapes emerge while I work, without a predetermined plan. Each of my vases, for example, reflects the behaviour of the clay while I manipulate it. I do not like to correct what others see as mistakes or imperfections: I consider them to be a plus.”
Interview
- When did your hobby become a profession?
- I have always used clay to express my creativity, but I had never imagined that I could actually turn it into my profession. It was not until the onset of the pandemic, in 2020, that I started making ceramic objects to sell, after which I decided to set up my own studio.
- How does your work relate to the tradition of this region?
- I use a technique known as colombino: an ancient coiling technique employed by master potters on the Amalfi coast to create amphorae, pitchers and large vases in the days before the potter's wheel was introduced.
- What aspect of your craft do you enjoy the most?
- I love the feeling of anticipation when I am about to open the kiln, in those brief instants before I actually see the piece that I have put in it the previous night. The firing process is unpredictable, and surprises are always in store.
- Is there something about pottery that people do not usually know?
- The making process can be very long: first comes the modelling, then the natural drying, and the firing at the end. You must convey this patience to your customers, and help them understand the work that goes into each piece, down to the smallest detail.
Onofrio Acone is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1993
Where
Onofrio Acone
