The Mustache Makes the Man

This semester, the ceramics classes at Florence University of the Arts (FUA) has an incredible opportunity—we actually get to work together with a famous Italian ceramicist to produce his next piece! The artist is Andrea Salvatori, a man, I’m told, who is redefining the field of contemporary ceramics. Recently he has been working on pieces that remind me of three-dimensional mosaics, such as the bulldog upon which he is resting his hand in this picture.

Yesterday, our classes took a bus to visit his workshop and receive our instructions for the collaboration process. The piece with which our classes will assist is a concept similar to the bulldog, though I am not allowed to say exactly what it will be right now (top secret!). Andrea gave us molds to use and taught us how to make the smaller pieces that he will assemble. It is more than a little bit intimidating—I really do not want to disappoint him or our professors—but at the same time it is an exciting opportunity and one that I do not anticipate ever having again. So here goes nothing! The non-art student is going to work on a great piece of art… I guess this is just part of the magic of studying abroad.

Here are some pictures of Andrea’s work, all currently stored in his fascinating workshop.

I found these kitschy pieces to be quite clever and entertaining.

Don't worry, it's a metaphor.

Artist, wood stove, drying molds.

Mixing slip in an enormous blender.

The more gruesome the arrangement, the greater the contrast.

These stars are impressive.

After our tour of Andrea's workshop, we stopped at a food stand to partake of these delectable calzones. Salsiccia e funghi always taste like heaven together. 

Everything about this man is fantastic. Maybe someday I'll have a mustache, hair, and jacket as cool as Andrea's.

This coming week we start production of the pieces for the project. I have never done slip-casting before, so wish me luck!