Our Handmade Table Ceramics
Interview with Giulia Chiaberge and Nazarena Capellaro from Fragile Studio
We asked a few questions to ceramist Giulia Chiaberge and table stylist Nazarena Capellaro, the two creatives behind our handmade clay tableware collection. The collection, crafted in Biella, is available exclusively in our Milan and Rome stores.
What was your first experience with ceramics, and how did you decide to work in this field?
GIULIA
In 1988, I was gifted a course of 10 lessons on working with terracotta, and it was love at first sight. I learned the basic techniques: coil, slab, wheel... Since then, my passion for the material has never left me. For 36 years, I've been working with clay gathered directly from river sediments, ceramic mixtures, colored earth, stoneware, and many other different materials. Some of my creations are now in New York, Sydney, the Czech Republic, Sardinia, Puglia, and who knows where else!
Can you tell us how this collection came to be?
NAZARENA
I considered the idea of dressing the table by drawing inspiration from Artknit's philosophy of creating essential, elegant, and refined pieces. The main inspiration was the raw material, the earth, an essential element that is also reflected in the collection's colors: from brown to cream white. From this inspiration, I developed various items, including plates, bowls, glasses, and carafes.
How is the clay worked?
GIULIA
When working on the wheel, I first need to knead the clay with movements similar to those of a baker. Then, the ball of clay is thrown onto the wheel's plate, and with wet hands, the work begins with slow, steady, and determined movements. If I use the “slab” technique, I cut the clay block with a wire and then roll it out with a rolling pin.
How does this collaborative project connect to Biella?
NAZARENA
Biella is known for its excellence and great craftsmanship. The city boasts a glorious past in various sectors. The new generations seem to want to start again from here, from those deep-rooted values. Artknit shared my vision, and I embraced their philosophy, resulting in a precious artisan collection.
How do you ensure the quality and durability of your ceramics?
GIULIA
The first quality check happens after the first firing at 980°C when the piece must “sing.” When tapped with fingers or nails, the object should have a high-pitched sound. If it sounds dull, like a piece of wood, it means it wasn't fired enough or has a crack. The presence of bubbles or rough spots on the surface, unless intended by the artist, also indicates quality defects.
Do you have a favorite piece among those you created in collaboration with us?
NAZARENA
My favorite creation of all is the small plate with an embossed jasmine branch. It’s a “smart” item as it can be used in different situations: on the table for bread, for an appetizer, or even for a first course. Its functionality adapts to any need without ever losing its elegance.
WORLDWIDE SHIPPING AND EASY RETURNS
Benefit from free shipping across Europe for orders above 250€. Returns and exchanges are hassle-free and our customer service is there to help you.
OUR COMMUNITY LOVES QUALITY
With an average score of 4.7/5 on Trustpilot, our services and products are highly trusted by our community.
PAY A LITTLE AT A TIME
You can pay directly from our website in three monthly installments without interest, by selecting Scalapay at checkout and creating an account in just two minutes.
DIGITAL PRODUCT PASSPORT
You can always know who crafted your piece and where the raw material came from by going through its journey on every product page.
THE REPAIR PROGRAM
The Repair Program aims to make your Artknit’s pieces look as good as new, in order to reduce waste and extend your knits’ lifecycle.