Stefano Raffa, Mixed media sculptor in Milan, Italy, presented by Homo Faber

©Stefano Raffa

Sophisticating everyday objects

Stefano creates unique luxury pieces
He is fascinated by natural materials
His experience as a photographer is essential to his work as a maker

After a rewarding career as a photographer in the field of fashion and design, in 2014 Stefano Raffa transformed his great passion for making objects with the most varied materials into a new professional activity. He handcrafts luxury objects, born from his vision, and from the careful combination of natural materials such as precious woods and horn. Objects of daily use emerge from Stefano's hands transformed into works of art: razors, shaving brushes, knife blocks, cutting boards, kitchen knives, boxes, and even jewels such as cufflinks for men and women. Intrigued by the most varied of materials, whether they be precious woods, horn, shells, or metals, and their potential, Stefano sets no limits in imagining new items.

Stefano Raffa is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2014.

INTERVIEW

I use wood and horn a lot, but I like many materials. From an early age I had the passion to work with my hands. I am always open to new materials, of which I see the potential for new creations. For instance, metals like patinated bronze and silver are very stimulating.

I like to wander. I like to make various one-of-a-kind items, but what I do is only a small part of what I would like to achieve. I started with barber products, then boxes, then chopping boards and kitchen knives. I would like to make several new and different objects, such as lamps, maybe even furniture.

It was essential. I am in love with Ansel Adams, with his distinctive way of working: he had his own vision before taking the shot, which he then recreated. That is very inspiring. I do not make sketches, I have a mental image of what I want to create.

Exactly this, that there is no draft project with sketches before I begin. Either I think of an object and then choose the material for it, or vice versa, I see a material and imagine the object that can be made from it. For example, once, in a Nautilus Mother of Pearl shell I saw a caviar holder!