Born from the Earth
- Tonino creates sculptures inspired by archetypes
- Vases epitomise versatility in his eyes
- He loves to share his knowledge with young people
Born and to this day living in Lodi, a town with a long tradition in ceramics, Tonino Negri creates ceramic sculptures that evoke the origins of life on Earth. His craftworks, especially his vases, are a mystical presence in every space they occupy – a room, a garden, a stage, a library – hinting at ancient, deep values of archetypes, where light and darkness, life, death and rebirth coexist. Tonino has travelled around the world, and attended many ateliers where great masters shared their secrets with him. Thanks to them, he developed his own approach to ceramics, including materials and processes. Inspired by those who taught him, he has continued to learn and to share his knowledge with others. Many students have attended his courses, and for ten years he ran a community workspace to help rehabilitate young people battling with addiction.
Interview
- How did you choose your activity?
- Since I was young, I have always been fascinated by sculpture: rough materials take shape and come to life to speak a universal language. I attended ateliers of great masters in Italy but also in South America, where I fell in love with indigenous cultures and their archetypes.
- Which techniques do you prefer?
- I am interested in exploring and testing different materials and techniques, but I love grès and refractories fired at high temperatures, which I like to combine with special glazes. I personally create the materials, inspired by recipes my masters taught me.
- Why do you prefer to create vases?
- A vase is a basic and elementary object. It can host anything and can give a new meaning to every space it inhabits. A vase can be a fountain or a bird – it can always embrace a new mission.
- What are your sources of inspiration?
- Earth and all the natural elements are magic. The synergies between water, earth, fire and air can generate new materials and new creations. This is a miracle that must remind us of our origins and our story. Every time I open my kiln there's a moment of suspense and great emotion as I see the result of the latest alchemy.
Tonino Negri is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1990
Works
Where
Tonino Negri
