Marco Terranova

Ispirazione Mediterranea

Ceramicist

©The Hive Way

©Jomolo Photo+Design

©The Hive Way

Daring to craft

Marco makes vases, contemporary sculptures and other artistic objects
Creative influences come from the Song Dynasty, wabi sabi, and Nordic minimalism
He graduated in ceramics from the School of Applied Arts and Crafts in Seville

Marco Terranova, a potter and artist of Italian and Spanish heritage, was born in Stans, Switzerland. Specialising in vases and sculptures, his work is deeply inspired by the ancient civilisations of the Mediterranean, with his pieces featuring classical, organic, and rounded forms that capture the essence of the region. Each vase is thrown on the potter's wheel and then hand-moulded, making every piece unique. Marco is particularly known for his free-form vases, which feature intentional deformation, creating fluid and dynamic shapes that challenge traditional structures. Alongside his pottery, he also explores contemporary sculptural art, blending his Mediterranean heritage with modern design. His work strikes a balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics, and his creations are highly regarded in both interior design and art. In 2024, Marco presented Collezione Borghese, a limited-edition collection of sculptures inspired by Villa Borghese in Rome.

Interview

©The Hive Way

©The Hive Way

Why did you choose this craft?: I have always been surrounded by art, as I come from a family of ceramicists and my father is both an artist and sculptor. My family trips to Sicily, along with scholarship in Crete, Florence, and Fez have deepened my appreciation for art and instilled in me a passion for practicing my craft.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: I strive to combine ancient pottery techniques with a modern approach to design. I work with the potter's wheel and plastic deformation to create contemporary forms, always maintaining a strong connection to Mediterranean traditions in both materials and processes.
What are your sources of inspiration?: My primary sources of inspiration are Mediterranean nature, the history of the ancient civilisations that once inhabited the region, and the organic forms found in Mediterranean landscapes and islands. I also draw inspiration from mythology and ancient architecture.
How would you define the artisanal work you do?: My work places great value on craftsmanship, celebrating the handmade, the unique, and the exclusive. Every piece is individually handcrafted, from the careful selection of clay to the modelling process, ensuring that each vase or sculpture is a one-of-a-kind work of art and decoration.

Marco Terranova is a master artisan: he began his career in 1993 and he started teaching in 2016