Stefano Robiglio

Blacksmith

Leaves and figures made of iron and steel

Stefano is a blacksmith by vocation
He sculpts artistic statues and makes functional items such as gates
His creative expression is born from the relationship between craftsman and material

Since he was very young, Stefano Robiglio has been fascinated by metals and by man’s ability to forge them. He began working with iron and steel as a hobby, before choosing to pursue blacksmithing as his profession. Stefano is self-taught, and does not sketch his designs before working with the metal. "I just take a few notes to jot down some ideas," he explains. His sculptures take shape as he progresses with the making process. Stefano creates different functional objects such as gates, stairs, interior and exterior furnishings, and makes sculptures, too. Iron and steel are often integrated with other materials, such as wood, glass, marble and stone to give life to unique pieces. He combines ancient techniques of forging with anvil, hammer and mallet and innovative solutions such as plasma cutting or TIG and MIG welding machines.

Interview

How do you define your activity?: I think it is difficult to define my professional identity. I work as a blacksmith, but in all my work I express my creativity, so I prefer to say that I am a craftsman.
What relationship do you have with customers?: Usually, they start off by telling what they are looking for – a gate, a handle or a hanger for a specific place. I start working from small clues, creating something that is in tune with their personalities and environments. Every final object is always the result of many rethinks and adjustments from our dialogue.
What inspires you?: I love nature. My main sources of inspirations are trees, branches and leaves. Many times, inspiration comes from the desire to make my customers' dreams come true.
Is there something about your work that people do not know?: Sometimes I get attached to some of my works and keep them. Over time, as I look at them, my feelings change and I may go back to work on them. Some pieces are never completed, but rather continue to make me think and drive me to perfect them.

Stefano Robiglio is a rising star: he began his career in 2017