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Art & Design

Elisa Ceramics

Photography by...

During those first difficult months of the 2020 lockdown, Elisa Condoluci decided to put to good use her passion and knowledge of clay, fortified by several courses on the use of the potter's wheel and the hand working of clay, by setting up Elisa Ceramics, a brand of entirely handmade products. From the arrival of the order through to shipping, the business is handled entirely by its founder Elisa. With commitment and dedication, she manages to juggle her primary profession in the fashion world, her fledgling business, and her role as a new mother, which saw her leave London in 2022 to return to her hometown of Como. Today Elisa devotes herself to her creations in a small family property used as a craft workshop.

Elisa uses stoneware for all her work, a particular type of clay that, when fired at high temperatures, gives greater durability and resistance to the final products, making the material particularly suitable for kitchen ornaments and utensils, the things that are most in demand from her international clientele. The articles themselves can be purchased from the website, which also serves as a blog with regularly published in-depth articles on the world of ceramics, or also from shops and small boutiques scattered all over the world, from France to Australia, and from Denmark to Japan.

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In addition to spoon rests, plates and cups, there are vases, jewellery boxes and key rings inspired by the plant world and Elisa's many multicultural experiences, such as her journey to Japan where she came into contact with the raku firing technique which, following the precepts of Zen, is able to focus on the harmony of small things and the beauty inherent to the naturalness of simple forms. “As the brand came about during the lockdown, my biggest sources of inspiration were the small things I had around the house, like fruit, vegetables and food in general. With my pieces I try to give a nice touch to my customers' kitchens by taking inspiration from my surroundings”, explains Elisa.

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The complexity of the processes and the long working times require patience and great skill in the handling of the materials. Relying almost exclusively on her hands, Elisa is able to create the most bizarre and fascinating shapes, satisfying the needs of the many customers who request custom-made pieces. Once the final shape of the object has been formed, the one to five-day drying stage begins, with the time taken depending on the humidity and temperature. Once the clay has solidified, the article is ready for the first firing in the kiln, followed by the application of the coloured glazes, and then once more back to kiln.

Elisa's attention to detail and great love of ceramics are thus translated into unique pieces, all exquisitely imperfect and unique, speaking of craftsmanship, tradition and passion. “Although I have had this passion for years, I always find it incredible to think how from a rough piece of clay you can create a tool or a design piece using only your own hands. It is a combination of chemistry and art”.