Valentina Fogliato
Arte e Materia
Milan, Italy
Email
valentina.fogliato@gmail.com
Website
www.arteemateria.com
Instagram
arteemateria
Facebook
Valentina Fogliato
Artist Statement
My ceramics are strongly influenced by my personal story. Since I was a child, I can remember my passion for colors, drawing, knitting, gardening, and many other practical activities. I graduated from Politecnico in Milan, and I worked as an architect for about 20 years. About 8 years ago, I took a ceramic course in an art school, and I couldn’t stop making it. Now, I have my own studio where I teach, creating and connecting every day with new people. I love raw surfaces and contrasts between very different materials, glossy and opaque. I use natural colors like brown, ochre, yellow, and blue.
Studio Description
My studio is a neutral space where everyone can come and fill it with his own work. I love to offer a place for concentration and creation process. A safe and peaceful place. Then you can find a kiln, some tables and a lot of shelves.
What type of clay do you use?
I prefer red earthenware but sometimes I use stoneware too.
What temperature do you fire to?
I try to fire at a low temperature.
What is your primary forming method?
Slab building.
What is your favorite surface treatment?
Engobes from natural clays, some glaze.
Do you make any of your own tools?
Brushes and plaster molds for textures.
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Nature
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
The calm and relaxed mood, and the music.
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
The large working space I have.
What are your top three studio wishes?
Have more time to make slab vases, to create a shop online, and to empower the community in the small town where I live.
What’s on your current reading list?
The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund De Waal
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
I recycle clay.
How do you recharge creatively?
I love traveling, visiting other artist's studios and exhibitions, and walking in nature.
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
Having a good social media presence.
What did your first piece look like?
Kitsch
What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
To avoid cracks in my student's work.
What area of skill do you most look to other artists to learn?
Mastering and making good (beautiful) forms
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
Craig Underhill and Rachel Wood among the others.
What is on your studio playlist?
Chill, pop, and film musicals.
Why do you create art?
I can't say. It is something I’ve tried since I was young. Probably I feel free enough now.
Who is your favorite artist?
Francis Bacon.
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
Shrinkage.
