Does this profession require a specific training?
I think that it requires a great deal of curiosity. I could talk for hours about the advantages of years of training in working metals and in studying art and design. But in the end, the point is that without curiosity, nothing is achieved. Curiosity is the driving force behind everything. We are the product of our experiences, each of us in our own distinctive way, and this in itself is our richness. The more experiences we live, the more we can infuse emotions into what we do.
How do you reconcile your work with the new needs and trends of the market?
One must move with the times and possibly anticipate them, if one is really talented. The modern age is the Renaissance of metal: thanks to minimalist design, we have rediscovered the durability of iron. We have abandoned the concept of Art Nouveau decorations and we are experimenting in finer thicknesses. We are going through complex times, but, with a good idea and an interesting design, it is still possible to be successful. From the very start, I understood that I had to invest in communication and innovation if I wanted to compete in a market that was dominated by many important and celebrated brands.
Which types of clients do you target?
I have excellent relationships with designers and architects. In my workshop, I cooperate with a designer (Matteo Giustozzi) and a blacksmith who bends metal traditionally (Daniele Mattioli). I have a more technical background, and I am specialised in precision works. Our combined competencies enable us to develop projects that range from 3D designs, to forging, to producing minimalist design elements. Each of us adds the value of his background to our projects. In parallel, we work with private clients or companies that wish to develop unique projects for their homes, offices, shops and contracting. We also make sculptures for public spaces. We can work with many types of metals: from iron to stainless steel, Corten steel, aluminium, copper, brass and bronze.
Do you think that young people are fascinated and inspired by your profession?
Until recently, an artisan was someone who had settled down for a manual job not having succeeded in doing anything better. Generally speaking, people find it more interesting to say that they have a creative or intellectual job. It was never like this for me: I have always loved my work and what I like about it is that I can create something unique, useful, functional and beautiful with my own hands, in my workshop. Luckily, things are changing. Artisans are attracting more and more attention. People are rediscovering the value of a handmade object, and they are beginning to understand that being a craftsman can be rewarding! The biggest motivation for me to start my own business was to differentiate myself in this age of global standardisation.
What are the challenges in your field? And what are the prospects?
The most difficult task is to teach the public the difference between an industrial and an artisanal product. It is necessary to separate these two fields in a clear way, if we want consumers to understand the added value of an entirely handmade product. The biggest challenge of all, however, is to reach foreign markets, because our domestic market is not enough. It is necessary to go beyond Italy’s borders, where the "Made in Italy" label is sought after and appreciated. I am developing these markets with my e-commerce business, which enables me to sell my products throughout Europe and a little also in North America. We must aim at internationalisation with the support of trade associations and public incentives. This, in turn, would also revive Italy’s economy.
