About
Raffaella was born in Venice and moved to London in 1995 to study at the London College of Fashion. After several years in the fashion industry, she then discovered the potential of working with clay, and she undertook a course at Camden Arts Centre.
Her pieces are created with contrasting textures, utilising traditional hand-building methods, such as coiling, pinching and slab building. Her work is intuitive, and strongly reflects her personality and her influences are varied, from the textures of discarded objects and artefacts to more fluid and organic forms. Travelling throughout Asia, Japan and America has broadened her experience and led to a more eclectic approach to her designs.
Her current work reflects her fashion aesthetic, emulating silhouettes and the shape of the human form, while also referencing African influences and tribal art. Each piece is unique, and her techniques are inspired by the qualities of the material. Black clay is worked thick and rough in a sometimes playful and sometimes daring manner. The rugged texture and marks are unpredictable and spontaneous, giving them a unique personality. White clay is used to create smoother pieces with a softer look and finish, giving them a timeless subtlety. Raffaella is available for commissions and bespoke ceramic work.