image features Raku Tableware – handmade and designed by Azzone Alessandra
We chat with ceramicist Alessandra of Azzone Alessandra Ceramics, who will be making her Finders Keepers debut in Melbourne in just a few weeks time! Read on…
Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to begin your label.
I’ve always loved creating things or giving new life to old ones. After an Artistic secondary school and a Bachelor degree in Cultural Heritage, I did a Diploma in Art Restoration that allowed me to travel and work on fresco domes, polychrome altars and sculptures. In particular, the sculpture process always fascinated me, and helped me to connect with more materials.
I love tactile materials and colours; and clay is one of those materials that enjoy all those things I love, mess, water, fire, colours, expression, creativity, cutting and sticking. Also the appreciation and support from people close to me, has given me that confidence to set up my own studio and create my own label.
Ceramics objects in Alessandra’s studio cabinet – handmade and designed by azzone alessandra
image features Stacked ceramic blue mugs and Spice spoons on Rustic plate – handmade and designed by Azzone Alessandra
Who inspires you and your creative process?
Our beautiful mother nature is my greatest well of inspiration! My previous collection was based on flowers, seeds and leaves. My current one is inspired by the sky and the earth. But quite often is the controlled randomness of a new shape that the trowing process gifts me, who inspires the making of new pieces.
Tell us something exciting that you have planned for Azzone Alessandra this year.
I’ve created a new range of earthy tableware set, using a coarse brownie clay that goes perfectly well with the upcoming Summer season lifestyle, courtyard open dinning and colourful sunny food. Also, I’ve made a new cappuccino cup for the SS16 Melbourne Finders Keepers; and I’m working on a new platter collection, for antipasto and cheese lovers. How exciting!
image features the Alessandra’s making process and studio tools – handmade and designed by Azzone Alessandra
image features Studio peek of Alessandra’s carving process – handmade and designed by Azzone Alessandra
Name one resource that your label could not live without.
If I may name two, I’d say my pottery wheel and my tools! I adore carving tools and all kind of brushes. I use so many colours that brushes are never enough!
Tell us about your favourite product from your collection.
I get attached to almost all my pieces and very often a new one becomes part of my personal collection. However, I have a soft spot for those pieces that are tactile, coloured and hand carved; so when I drink my afternoon tea and I enjoy the feeling of holding my Rainy Cloud mug, I could say, this is my favourite product, yet.
image features rainy clouds mug – handmade and designed by Azzone Alessandra