Livia Marasso

Ceramicist | Turin, Italy

The evocative power of porcelain coils

Livia makes sculptures out of handcrafted porcelain strips, resembling threads
The unique texture of her creations engages both sight and touch
Presented in international fairs and exhibitions, her work celebrates historical heirlooms, peace and light

Livia Marasso is a ceramic artist whose creations include uniquely shaped vases, jewellery and light sculptures. Her contemporary approach to porcelain transforms this typically brittle medium into delicate strips from which she constructs spheres and vessels through coiling. Her art pieces capture a fascinating interplay between structure and lightness. With a degree in architecture, Livia brings a unique spatial and structural perspective to her ceramic art. Her work has been celebrated in numerous international fairs and exhibitions, including the Resonance(s) Salon Européen des Métiers d’Art and the International Glass & Ceramic Biennial.

Interview

What inspires you to create these delicate, spherical forms?: The spherical shape evokes a ball of thread. I like to create the impression of a soft and light yarn ball made of individual strands, intertwined in an orderly or chaotic manner.
How do you transform porcelain into a thread-like material?: I use a manual extruder that produces three to four strands simultaneously. Once the strands are formed, I carefully separate them and place them one by one, ensuring precision and consistency in the final structure.
What emotions do you hope to evoke through your work?: Curiosity and wonder. People often feel the need to touch my work to understand the material it is made out of. It is essential that the experience is not only visual, but also tactile, allowing them to fully appreciate the texture, depth, and uniqueness of each piece.
Which sculpture is your personal favourite?: Nothing to Declare is a sculpture dedicated to peace. The porcelain strands bring to life an old typewriter, symbol of a bygone era, and entrust it with a message deeply connected to contemporary times.

Livia Marasso is a master artisan: she began her career in 2005 and she started teaching in 2013