Handmade ceramics

A table set with handmade ceramic plates and bowls, a bathroom with unique ceramic tiles – this reminds us of warm Italian summers and an almost forgotten style. There, the traditional craftsmanship forms the basis of a relaxed Mediterranean way of life. And now here, too, handmade artisan pottery is making a comeback – complementing sustainable interior design.

A RAW MATERIAL WITH ECO-BALANCE

The word “ceramic” comes from the Greek word Keramikos, which means clay and pottery. Ceramic tiles have been made from natural raw materials for thousands of years. They’re the best starting point for a healthy home. They are free of pollutants, odourless and can withstand sunlight and fire. Since ceramic products are manufactured in regions where the necessary resources are available, transport routes are kept short, which helps reduce the environmental impact. In addition, the material is extremely durable and can last decades – even generations.

While ceramic tiles are popular for flooring due to their sturdiness and environmentally friendly properties, ceramic is also used by designers because it allows for creativity in terms of colour, shape and texture. The Ladin artisan Pallestrong Roberto, for example, produces creative ceramic works ranging from Italian tableware and sculptures to decorative mosaics inspired by the smallest details found in nature.

SUSTAINABLE DÉCOR PRODUCTS THAT SUIT YOUR STYLE

Because of its versatility, ceramics can be used in a wide variety of rooms and styles. In rustically furnished homes, patterned vases and bowls are a perfect choice, while in minimalist, industrial styles, monochrome and colourful ceramic accessories provide cosiness and warmth. Thanks to their durability, ceramic products are made to last – the quintessence of slow living.

The South Tyrolean ceramic artist Roberto Pallestrong, who lives with his family in the heart of the Dolomites, is self-taught in every way, developing his handmade pottery skills independently. He then applied these skills working in various companies in the central Italian region of Umbria. Pallestrong often exhibits his work, created during his long career, in different regions of Italy. These are either exhibitions organised in collaboration with other artists or personal themed exhibitions, in which he establishes a dialogue with people, but above all with nature. Thanks to his innovative techniques, Pallestrong now creates ceramic works, which differ from classic decorative or everyday objects by other artists because the starting point of his work is always nature. By observing and photographing even the smallest details, he manages to capture nature and reproduce it in different ways, resulting in new pieces profoundly linked to nature – whether for decoration, as objects for the masses or unique pieces.