Martina Scarpa

Ceramiche Lega

Ceramicist

©Foggy Photo

Reshaping tradition

Martina is the third generation of a family of ceramicists
She applies her grandfather’s techniques to new designs
She wants to awaken the interest of young people to her craft

Young Martina Scarpa grew up in Faenza, the Italian city famous for ceramics. Her home was just upstairs from her grandfather’s workshop, where he, Leandro Lega, founder of Ceramiche Lega, worked with Martina’s mother Carla. Martina’s destiny seemed written. Instead, she studied Economics at university and then found a job in the sales. “At 25, though, I returned to the fold. I began to assist my mother at the workshop and took a very practical one-year course in ceramics.” Her apprenticeship was quick. Today, Martina is 29 and has already been holding the reins of her family business for a while. “Mum has sensed and appreciated my innovative drive, trusting me from the start. She’s still working with me, but I am totally in charge.”

Interview

©Foggy Photo

©Foggy Photo

What have you kept from your family’s tradition?: I’m still using my grandfather’s techniques, which are Ceramiche Lega’s signature. One is reduction firing, for obtaining a unique shade of red that he called “Lega red”. The second is lustreware, that is applying metal salts to pottery to give it an iridescent appearance.
How do you innovate?: As traditional colours are my family’s legacy, I’ve been concentrating on new shapes. Pottery is often considered old-fashioned: my aim is to rejuvenate it and create cool, contemporary objects for everyday use.
Where do you get your inspiration from?: It comes mostly at random from various sources, such as magazines, exhibitions and social media. Instagram is a powerful tool, but it can be tricky: it’s fine to be influenced, but if you don’t add a personal twist, you loose originality.
Does your process end with kiln firing?: Not at all! After creating an object, you need people to know and like it. That’s why I personally take care of our website and social media channels. I’ve also started a partnership with local entrepreneurs to showcase our products in Faenza’s coolest bars and shops.

Martina Scarpa is a rising star: she began her career in 2019