Fabio Ottaviano

Cameo maker

©Ottaviano

Preserving and developing the ancient art of cameo

Fabio is a master of cameo engraving
He is reputed internationally for his sophisticated style
His father Pasquale was his first teacher

Heir to a thousand-year tradition, Fabio Ottaviano is a master of the art of cameo engraving. Internationally celebrated for the high technical and artistic quality of his artworks, he crafts his pieces from shell, mother of pearl and semi-precious stones. He grew up in the workshop his father founded in 1947, the well-known Maestro Pasquale. Fabio obtained a diploma in Coral Art in Torre del Greco and graduated in Sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples. His entirely handmade creations stand out for the sophisticated fusion of classical culture and modernity. His style features multiform veils and transparencies. Winner of the 2023 LVMH Métiers d'Excellence Award, Fabio is known throughout the world thanks to his collaborations with prestigious luxury jewellery and watchmaking labels, including Breguet and Chopard. “Every commission is a challenge, evolving is necessary,” he states.

Interview

©Ottaviano

©Ottaviano

How do you bring a classical legacy into the contemporary?: It is not easy. I need to dialogue and partly adapt. This is a work based on classical Italian and European culture. I am inspired by our history, fascinated by everything that surrounds us, in Naples, in Rome. There are cultural and artistic stimuli everywhere.
Where is your work most appreciated in the world?: I often find there is great interest from other millenary cultures, those of Eastern peoples, China and Japan in particular, where there is a true cult of Italy, from fashion to food to jewellery. Italy is synonymous with art. We are also highly appreciated in Russia.
Is your craft in danger of disappearing?: My craft has deep roots in our city: despite the challenges we may face, we are determined to preserve and pass it on. Fortunately in our area there is a school committed to training and supporting the next generation of engravers, thus ensuring that this ancient art continues to thrive over time.
What else can be done to give young cameo artisans more opportunities?: Increase visibility and spread the culture of the art of engraving. A very important thing would be to simplify the complex bureaucratic process and the apprenticeship practice. In this craft we work in small creative workshops, where all we need is beautiful natural light and a bench.

Fabio Ottaviano is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1988