Silver Sentimenti: Craftsmanship Excellence for a Sentiment-Full Design
Published on 16 May 2024
Silver Sentimenti, a talented ceramist, embodies the essence of a true craftsman. Hailing from Italy, he now refines his craft in Normandy, seamlessly blending the arts of fire, sewing, and sculpture. Fueled by a deep-rooted passion for art history and applied arts, Silver Sentimenti draws from a diverse range of career experiences to inform his intimate relationship with materials and their transformative potential.
High-fashion Sculpture
Trained in ceramic sculpture at the Istituto Gaetano Ballardini in Faenza and later in scenography at the School of Fine Arts in Bologna, Silver Sentimenti initially found his footing in the vibrant world of Parisian haute couture. Reflecting on this transition, he reminisces, “I launched my brand, Silver Sentimenti Céramique, in 2014 upon exiting the fashion realm. I aspired to venture into interior decoration under my own name, liberated from the confines of serving another stylist or a designer.”
Every facet of Silver Sentimenti’s journey, from the meticulous precision of model making to the extravagant allure of haute couture, finds expression in his clay creations interwoven with leather. These singular pieces transcend mere functionality to emerge as objets d’art in their own right. “From haute couture, I’ve retained an appreciation for raw materials, a commitment to technical rigour, and the wealth of knowledge amassed over nearly two decades,” confides Sentimenti. “The connection is unmistakable for me: sewing is as much an artistic craft as any other. While my materials may vary today, the essence of my approach remains unchanged.”
Weaving Leather with Clay
Employing stoneware from Burgundy or Noron alongside porcelain from Limoges or Germany’s Bavaria, Silver Sentimenti infuses each creation with a rich tapestry of history and tradition. His creative journey is a symphony of discovery and defiance as he painstakingly shapes raw clay by hand, punctuating each piece with perforations akin to portals into our innermost realms. Following the firing process, a second metamorphosis unfolds as he intricately weaves leather strips, accentuated by delicate metallic elements, to adorn his artifacts.
Silver Sentimenti’s unwavering commitment to sourcing materials of the highest calibre is evident throughout his process. Each element is meticulously selected to meet exacting standards, from the foundational sandstone to the supple leathers adorning his creations. Notably, the leather originates from a specialised tannery in Brittany, renowned for its commitment to vegetal tanning. This dedication to ethical practices and sustainable materials underscores Silver Sentimenti’s creative vision—a principle he has proudly upheld since his inaugural participation in Maison&Objet: “Since 2019, I’ve been showcasing my work at Maison&Objet’s CRAFT selection. It has proven to be an invaluable platform for presenting my creations.”
Reshaping the Industry
Maison&Objet has provided Silver Sentimenti with a platform to solidify his presence in the market, affirming his dedication to artisanal production and the preservation of traditional techniques. He acknowledges the ongoing support received from Maison&Objet and Ateliers d’Art de France, mainly from Anne Moreau, Sales Manager at CRAFT, whose guidance has nurtured his brand’s growth.
Silver Sentimenti stands as a beacon of artistic integrity and entrepreneurial spirit in an industry often plagued by mass production and fleeting trends. His visionary approach seamlessly marries craftsmanship with commercial viability, offering a poignant testament to the enduring allure of sentimental design.
