Alberto Bagetto

Ceramicist

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The essence of ceramics

Alberto is a self-taught ceramicist
He made his own potter's wheel and other tools
Inspired by Mingei philosophy, honesty is central to his work

A visit to Alberto Bagetto's workshop brings you back to the roots of arts and crafts. Alberto is an independent, self-taught potter who captures the essence of his craft, trying to find a balance between materials – stoneware and porcelain, in his case – and actions, between a maker and his pieces, between an object and its function. Honesty and simplicity are his most frequently used words as well as the most obvious features of the functional ceramics he creates, which are made on a potter’s wheel he crafted himself, just like every other tool he uses. Influenced by Bernard Leach and the Japanese Mingei movement as well as by the ideas of Daniel de Montmollin of the community of Taizé in Bourgogne, Alberto's craft is also his way of staying connected to his identity and the rhythm of life.

Interview

How did you become a ceramicist?
There are no artisans in my family. I was supposed to be an agronomist, but working with ceramics has always been what I loved most, so I made it my job. The turning point happened around 37 years ago: after an enlightening meeting with a ceramicist, I came home and built my first potter’s wheel.
What do you create?
Unique pieces for daily use. I am a typical studio potter, mastering the whole creation process. I make all my tools, I prepare my clays and glazes, I fire in my gas kiln or, once a year, go to a French village, La Borne, to fire in a wood kiln. I love working with high temperatures: fire emphasises the uniqueness of each piece.
Is there a specific style or tradition that inspires you?
There is no tradition for high temperatures in my region. I started from scratch. I learned a lot from other ceramicists but also from the teachings of Daniel de Montmollin and Bernard Leach. I am also fascinated by Japanese Mingei philosophy and its research into pureness and beauty in objects of daily use.
What does 'well made' mean to you?
There are two main aspects. One is the craftsman’s actions, which must be recognisable in the end result. The other is honesty; honesty related to the function but also to the story of an object with regards to the relationship between the maker, the object itself and the buyer.

Alberto Bagetto is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1980