Pottery Roma – The Art of Clay, Color, and Timeless Craftsmanship
At Pottery Roma, two souls—Walter and Carolina—blend 30 years of experience into a unique expression of artistic craftsmanship. Crafting with hands and heart, they embody the duality of being both artisan and artist. While their craft sustains them professionally, their passion fuels creations that often take shape in the quiet of the night.
From the outset, Pottery Roma has been driven by a love for materials. Unlike others who turn to ready-made products like acrylics and oils, Walter and Carolina seek out raw, natural pigments and explore techniques to bind them to surfaces. This approach, rooted in non-toxic, slow art, preserves fading traditions and ensures the safety of the artisans working with these materials.
Their journey is deeply connected to art history and the legacy of the masters who preceded them. As decorative artisans, Walter and Carolina rediscover the same materials used throughout history—from casein and Marseille soap in folk art to egg tempera cherished by Renaissance painters and modern artists like de Chirico.
Carolina has honed her expertise in natural temperas, casein, and soap-based mediums, avoiding harmful petroleum derivatives and acrylic resins. Walter’s craft lies in the ancient art of stucco marmo, mastering 16th-century recipes that he has adapted for contemporary works—some exhibited at MoMA and the Venice Biennale.
Their latest passion lies in clay and stoneware, with a focus on natural-colored, heavily textured chamotte and simple, hand-built forms. Avoiding electric wheels, they shape each piece through slab and coil techniques, echoing ancient practices and tools crafted to fit their artistic vision.
Marble-inspired vases are made using white clays, hand-kneaded with natural pigments. In keeping with their philosophy, they avoid glazes that release volatile substances during firing, finishing their stoneware with natural wax.
Even their packaging reflects their values, using only eco-friendly, recycled, and recyclable materials—a testament to their commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment.
Why it is in The Green Circle
Pottery Roma represents the perfect harmony between art, sustainability, and craftsmanship, making it a natural fit for The Green Circle 2025. By using natural pigments, non-toxic materials, and ancient techniques like casein, egg tempera, and stucco marmo, Pottery Roma champions responsible production and consumption (SDG 12).
Their dedication to avoiding petroleum-based substances and harmful glazes reflects a commitment to climate action and reducing environmental impact during the production process (SDG 13). Through the use of handcrafted techniques and locally sourced materials, Pottery Roma preserves cultural heritage while promoting sustainable communities (SDG 11).
By focusing on artisanal, small-batch production and collaborating with artists for exhibitions at MoMA and the Venice Biennale, Pottery Roma supports decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). Their eco-conscious approach extends to packaging, using recycled and recyclable materials to further reduce their footprint.
Pottery Roma’s participation in The Green Circle underscores the importance of keeping traditional crafts alive while fostering innovation and sustainability in the modern world (SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals).
