Meet my herd 🐆✨
Behind and Beyond the Clay
In 2023, I booked myself in a sculpture course in Florence, Italy, under the incredible guidance of Raffaello Romanelli, the master after sixth generation of sculptors in Florence. Being in the center of the Renascence, and under his teachings I felt an unparalleled connection to the process of creating with my hands, immediately resonating with the concepts, forms and material we explored. Upon returning home , I converted my living room into an atelier. I started my journey, not without mistakes but with the intention of filling my dream.
My artistic process begins with a deep contemplation of the animal I intend to sculpt. In any circumstance, I watch documentaries, search for pictures, habitats and environments where they connect. My primary motivation isn’t simply to create aesthetically pleasing forms, but rather to use sculpture as a vehicle for exploring the complex relationship between humanity and the natural world.
Many of my animal subjects are endangered species, and my work aims to draw attention to their plight, forcing a reflection on our often-destructive impact on their habitats and the inherent vulnerabilities within our own human nature. This isn’t about simple imitation; it’s about capturing the very essence of the animal – its spirit, its resilience, its curiosity, even its fear – within the clay.
I consciously observe the subtleties of movement, the nuances of expression, striving to reveal the unique personality that emerges as the sculpture takes form. It’s a renaissance. Then after the kiln has done its work, after giving him the consistency of immortality , I focus on the creature’s unique attire: a meticulously blend of textures and patterns in fur and color. The final result is a captivating fusion of form and texture, which enhance its character in any place you present it.
On 2025 I attended an animal sculpture course with the amazing sculptor Phillipe Faraut, in his own studio near Rochester New York. This experience put me more in tune with the ability to create more sophisticated creatures. Inspired me to go beyond my usual set.