Domitilla Biondi's craft is a spontaneous expression of holistic personal growth. She graduated in Graphic Design in 1996 and after her father’s premature death, felt that something was changing. In order to heal many aspects of her life, she abandoned her previous career as Interaction Designer and graduated in Sound Healing. When visiting an exhibition of Ellen Gallagher in London in 2013, she saw paintings made by scraping paper on itself. “The use of scraping and cutting, rather than painting with colours, came to me like an epiphany. So I started experimenting with a surgical blade on paper and discovered that I can express visually the harmony that I play, on the other hand, with therapeutic singing bowls.” In 2019 she set herself the goal to sculpt the thinnest porcelain possible, thinner than 1 mm. Since then her endeavours have continued to bring healing techniques, paper creations and digital processes into collision with each other.

1647265577_mm1-jpg.jpeg

1647265577_mm2-jpg.jpeg

1647265577_mm3-jpg.jpeg

1647265577_mm4-5-jpg.jpeg

1647265577_portrait-jpg.jpeg

1647265577_select-face-jpg.jpeg

1647265577_itw1-jpg.jpeg

1647265577_itw2-jpg.jpeg

1647265577_itw3-jpg.jpeg

A round shaped white paper, carved in bas-relief miniatures in the form of a Fibonacci spiral geometry (cochlea). The Magnifico series (18 pieces only) is part of the “Love Life Light in Armonia spirituality of the new millennium”: a series of art objects which bring poetry of beauty into practices through the re-thinking of iconic religious objects.

Magnifico #7

1647265539_objet5-jpg.jpeg

Round shaped white paper, carved in bas-relief miniatures in the form of fractals spiralling from the centre to the outside, with a mandala's structure. The Magnifico series (18 pieces only) is part of the “Love Life Light in Armonia spirituality of the new millennium”: a series of art objects which bring poetry of beauty into practices through the re-thinking of iconic religious objects.

Magnifico #1

1647265524_objet4-jpg.jpeg

Embrace is a series of vessels, each one individual, yet they have in common the characteristic that each vessel is composed of a sculpted sheet of white porcelain, thinner than 1 mm, applied on a vase of about 19 cm height, of various thicknesses. Each vessel turns out to be different and unpredictable, and Biondi's aim is to arrive to match them together into a perfectly shaped equilibrated embrace.

Embrace

1647265481_objet3-jpg.jpeg

Embrace is a series of vessels, each one different from the other. Each vessel is characterised by a sculpted sheet of white porcelain, thinner than 1 mm, applied on a vase of about 19 cm height, of various thicknesses. Biondi is researching the dialogue between the two parts, that only fire completes by making visible the distortions that the different parts create among themselves.

1647265455_objet2-jpg.jpeg

Quadtych of carved miniatures on white paper, creating compositions of bas-reliefs that recall combinations of spiral forms and round shapes that can be imagined as a stellar galaxy.

The Galaxy of my Heart

1647265448_objet1-jpg.jpeg

Clara Tosi Pamphili is the creator and curator alongside Alessio de Navasques of A.I. artisanal intelligence event that takes place in the context of AltaRoma and in other national and international situations to promote “Made in Italy” in collaboration with museums, contemporary art galleries and institutional or non-conventional spaces. Clara is Vice President of PalaExpo and curator of the fashion section of Videocittà, a project by ANICA CINEMA. With extensive experience as an academic lecturer, Clara lectures at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome and at the Academy of Costume and Fashion, as well as at the Faculty of Architecture in Rome Ludovico Quaroni. She is the curator of the project ROMAISON, a consultant for Mondomostre and regularly writes for Artribune on fashion, costume and cinema.

1608190432_clara_tosi-jpg.jpeg

1608190537_clara_tosi_portrait-jpg.jpeg

1608190623_rome-jpg.jpeg

The story of Atelier GK is one of intersecting passions. A passion for binding and restoring books led Lapo Giannini and Michiko Kuwata to work in the same workshop in Florence, then their passion for each other led them to independence. In 2010, the couple decided to open their own studio in Florence, creating artistic paper and leather products that reflect both east and west. “We never lose sight of the future, but we must always remember that our craft is very much tied to tradition,” they say. “We like to experiment, for example using unusual raw materials, like carbon fibre, which we like to mix with the most precious leather.”

Giannini, Lapo & Michiko, Kuwata

A love story crafted on the page

5976-ITALY-LAPO GIANNINI AND MICHIKO KUWATA-MIX AND MATCH-2) profile1 copie.jpg.jpeg

9720-ITALY-LAPO GIANNINI AND MICHIKO KUWATA-MIX AND MATCH-5) process8.jpg.jpeg

903-ITALY-LAPO GIANNINI AND MICHIKO KUWATA-MIX AND MATCH-3) stilllife20.jpg.jpeg

2474-ITALY-LAPO GIANNINI AND MICHIKO KUWATA-MIX AND MATCH-4) process1.jpg.jpeg

2215-ITALY-LAPO GIANNINI AND MICHIKO KUWATA-MIX AND MATCH-1) atelier2.jpg.jpeg

1599482205_itw1-jpg.jpeg

5743-ITALY-LAPO GIANNINI AND MICHIKO KUWATA-INTERVIEW-3) atelier5.jpg.jpeg

1615801936_material-jpg.jpeg

6952-ITALY-LAPO GIANNINI AND MICHIKO KUWATA-MIX AND MATCH-2) profile1.jpg.jpeg

panoramique-jpg-7210.jpeg

lapokuwata-int-2-jpg-5539.jpeg

After obtaining a diploma in electronics, Luigi Castiglioni studied music at the DAMS University of Bologne. But, during college, he fell in love with fine binding and restoration. He began studying bookbinding by himself as in Italy there were no fine binding schools. He began his career by destroying and rebuilding the books, trying to learn how they were made from the inside. When he was 29 years old, he opened his own workshop, and took some fine binding course at Centro del bel libro, a school in Switzerland. His most important clients today are from abroad, especially from France, Switzerland, Germany and the United States. Nowadays Luigi is known throughout the world as one of the most important and experienced fine bookbinders.

Castiglioni, Luigi

Spellbound by books

1626263807_1-ritrattodorso-c-luigi-castiglioni-jpg.jpeg

1626263812_2-marmo-c-luigi-castiglioni-jpg.jpeg

1626263816_3-vetrina-c-luigi-castiglioni-jpg.jpeg

1626265499_1-legator-cortese-1-c-luigi-castiglioni-jpg.jpeg

1626263830_2-capitelli-1-c-luigi-castiglioni-jpg.jpeg

1626263836_3-cucitura-1-c-luigi-castiglioni-jpg.jpeg

1626263841_4-covrure-peau-c-luigi-castiglioni-jpg.jpeg

1626263850_5-adoracion-1-c-michele-garrec-jpg.jpeg

1626264013_1-legator-cortese-1-c-luigi-castiglioni-portrait-j.jpeg

“What fascinates me most about my craft is that when people see one of my objects, they don’t immediately understand what it’s made of. They often mistake it for wood, or some kind of fossil. Only when they look closer do they realise that it’s made of paper.” Daniele Papuli started working with paper by chance, after taking a workshop in Berlin while studying at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera, in Milan. Though his training is in classical sculpture, this master craftsman decided to make objects using narrow strips of paper, with which he gives life to mesmerising shapes, the uniqueness of which can only be appreciated up close.

Papuli, Daniele

Recreating the world in paper

7098-ITALY-DANIELE PAPULI-INTERVIEW-1) RITRATTO.jpg.jpeg

itw1-jpg-8231.jpeg

itw2-2-jpg-3543.jpeg

7666-ITALY-DANIELE PAPULI-INTERVIEW-3) TALEE IN PROGRESS.jpg.jpeg

1515-ITALY-DANIELE PAPULI-MIX AND MATCH-3) TALEA DET 1 BAS.jpg.jpeg

1496-ITALY-DANIELE PAPULI-MIX AND MATCH-4) DETAIL TALEA IN PROGRESS 2.jpg.jpeg

1272-ITALY-DANIELE PAPULI-MIX AND MATCH-5) DET PAPER VASE UPSIDEDOWN.JPG.jpeg

8860-Daniele-Papuli.jpg.jpeg

papulli-mixmatch1-2-jpg-2500.jpeg

Born and raised on the shores of Lake Maggiore, within a few years the illustrator Andrea Tarella has been in the spotlight, thanks to his collaborations with big names in fashion like Prada, Fiorucci, Trussardi, Yves Saint Laurent, Pitti. His work reveals a naturalistic passion for plants and animals, especially birds, fish and insects. This ethological interest flourished during his science studies and now at home in Milan, where he lives with several creature companions: among them an iguana and a pheasant. But he desires a peacock: “It represents me.” In Andrea's illustrations there is a touch of magical surrealism and a fascination for curved Art Nouveau lines, twinned with vibrant colours. Andrea creates illustrations, interior decorations, decorative panels and performs live.

Tarella, Andrea

Extravaganza of nature

1669256591_4-2-hollyworld-a-special-project-for-tod-s-artolic.jpeg

1669257412_5-gucci-ph-andrea-tarella-jpg.jpeg

1669256651_1-3-hollyworld-a-special-project-for-tod-s-artolic.jpeg

1669256675_2-4-hollyworld-a-special-project-for-tod-s-artolic.jpeg

1669304933_3-hide-ysl-on-the-screen-evento-ysl-3-ysl-beauty-p.jpeg

1669256718_profile-jpg.jpeg

1669256625_1-2-andrea-tarella-pietro-baroni-jpg.jpeg

1669256573_3-5-hollyworld-a-special-project-for-tod-s-artolic.jpeg

Your authorizations

Developed in partnership with Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d’Arte and made possible by the support of Cartier, Homo Faber in Città gives you a rare chance to visit over 70 artisan workshops. The project is developed in collaboration with Fondazione Giorgio Cini, Confartigianato Imprese Venezia, CNA Venezia, Consorzio Promovetro Murano, The Venice Glass Week and Venezia da Vivere.

Our Partners

Step inside the workshops and ateliers to learn the secrets of local master artisans and manufacturers

Try your hand at different crafts with an authentic experience

Marvel at examples of fine craftsmanship by doing our itineraries

This september, the second edition of Homo Faber in Città invites visitors to step off the beaten track and discover the artisanal addresses where Venetian craftspeople create objects of exquisite beauty. A rare opportunity to witness Venice’s master artisans and young talents demonstrating their crafts and presenting the tools, materials and skills involved in contemporary Venetian craftsmanship.

Enrich your experience beyond Homo Faber 2024: The Journey of Life

Account and data history

Name

Homo Faber Guide is an online portal dedicated to contemporary craftsmanship, showcasing artisans, ateliers, museums, galleries, shops and experiences. Create your user account for access to exclusive features on Homo Faber Guide: save your preferred pages, hear about hot topics first, leave recommendations for your favourite artisans and much more.

Create your account

Although the Michelangelo Foundation researches the talents for its projects autonomously, collaboration with our ambassadors is fundamental. Over 120 associations, schools and institutions allow us to map the continents for craftsmanship and to have partners in each country who share our vision and goals. In addition, we have asked well-known personalities in the craft, design and art world to be our ambassadors in the cities where they live, so that their recommendations can offer a unique insight into craftsmanship in the major cities of Europe and beyond.

Who are our ambassadors?

Download our free Homo Faber Guide app (iOS and Android) to discover artisans, museums, galleries, shops, and experiences by location. Search Homo Faber on the App store on your mobile device.

Find craftsmanship destinations on the go

Discover the addresses of esteemed manufacturers, well known for producing high quality objects across a wide variety of crafts. Read their stories and find out where you can shop their contemporary pieces, see their archive collections and even in some cases visit their workshops. Find exceptional ateliers where artisans collaborate creatively to create fine pieces of craftsmanship. Reach out to them to commission something special.

Ateliers & Manufacturers

All the artisans and small workshops featured in Homo Faber Guide have been carefully researched and selected. They are presented and narrated through a selection of images and an interview, which allows readers to immerse themselves in the universe of these makers who exemplify excellence in their individual fields or are promising talents of the future. Find masters and rising stars who share the same passion and determination, and whose workshops are ready to share their secrets with visitors.

A selection of the best artisans

Are you eager to discover a city through craftsmanship? Do you wish to spend a few hours visiting an applied arts museum or attending a course on a craft with one of the masters featured in Homo Faber Guide? Browse the section dedicated to experiences and find your next adventure.

Experiences

An expert artisan is an accomplished artisan who has been in activity for more than ten years. He or she may also be engaged in passing on their knowledge to the next generations, but they have been doing so for less than seven years. Beyond this, they will become a Master artisan.

Who is an Expert artisan?

Homo Faber Guide provides you with a selection of the best addresses across Europe and further afield, where you will be able to discover and purchase exceptional objects, some of which are created by artisans featured in Homo Faber Guide.

Galleries

Homo Faber Guide is an online platform dedicated to craftsmanship that allows you to discover artisans and their masterpieces; explore museums, visit galleries and shops selling unique objects; enjoy experiences in cities across Europe and beyond.

Homo Faber Guide is a signature project developed by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship, an international non-profit organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland, which was set up in 2016 thanks to the intuition of Franco Cologni and Johann Rupert. The Michelangelo Foundation’s mission is to celebrate and preserve master craftsmanship, and for this reason it has created a map of the most significant representatives in this field, with the aim of connecting all its protagonists: artisans, designers, gallery owners, art curators, collectors and enthusiasts of high-quality handmade pieces.

About the Guide

Are you an artisan, atelier or manufacturer? Would you like to be featured in Homo Faber Guide? The Michelangelo Foundation encourages self-assessment initiatives and is pleased to evaluate new members to appear on the Guide or in other projects. Thanks to the Master’s Touch Evaluation Tool, every artisan can send their application: register and access a questionnaire to see if you fulfill the 11 criteria for excellence that stand behind all the activities of the Michelangelo Foundation. If your answers reach the minimum requirement, your application will be brought to our attention; if, on the contrary, you should score below the minimum requirement, we will give you some points for improvement, in the hope that you may participate in future initiatives of the Michelangelo Foundation.

Join the Homo Faber Guide!

Our artisan labels

A master artisan is an accomplished artisan who has been in activity for more than ten years, and who has also been engaged in passing on his or her expertise to the younger generations for more than seven years. This is in keeping with one of the key values of the Michelangelo Foundation: the transmission of knowledge in craftsmanship.

Who is a Master artisan?

Find museums handpicked for their links to contemporary craftsmanship and the exquisite collections they have on display. In each city, discover a museum of interest and organise your visit. From Italian museums displaying coral collections, glass pieces and ceramics to decorative art museums in Russia and Greece, marvel at the variety of museums exhibiting masterpieces, showcasing techniques and recounting histories.

Museums

A rising star is an artisan who has been active for less than ten years, and who is capable of expressing his or her craft with competence, creativity and originality. Whether self-taught or trained, the rising star represents the future of craftsmanship, in creativity, concerns and approaches.

Who is a Rising star?

The artisans featured in Homo Faber Guide have been selected through a meticulous assessment process based on the 11 criteria for excellence, identified by Alberto Cavalli, Executive Director of the Michelangelo Foundation, in the volume The Master’s Touch, written with researchers Giuditta Comerci and Giovanna Marchello. The members of the Michelangelo Foundation’s network who have been invited to participate in sourcing artisans for the Guide use an evaluation tool based on these criteria. In this way, they can identify the most suitable artisans to include in the project.

Simple rules for a transparent selection

In which city does the artisan work?

In which country does the artisan practise?

What craft does the artisan practise?

What is the artisan’s Instagram page?

What is the name of the artisan you are recommending?

Does the artisan have a website?

Hello, I thought you would be interested in this ambassador of crafts I found on Homo Faber Guide:

Hello, I invite you to explore craft through the Homo Faber App:

Hello, I thought you would be interested in this craft experience I found on Homo Faber Guide:

Hello, I thought you would be interested in this craft venue I found on Homo Faber Guide:

Hello, I thought you would be interested in this craft discovery itinerary I found on Homo Faber Guide:

Hello, I thought you would be interested in this handcrafted object I found on Homo Faber Guide: