Smith enjoys the feeling of history that working with clay provides,
a sense that it has been used for so many centuries,
and its ability to connect her to the earth.

“Clay is probably the most archaic material,” she explains.
“Working with it means interacting directly with the earth.
It is like a living creature - the result is always somehow unexpected.”

 Ideas, Smith says, often appear in her dreams. By the time she
is in her studio they are alive in her mind and ready to express
themselves through her.

 “This series was intended as a way to try to get in touch with others
from somewhere inside. A kind of throwing of a message
in the outer space saying ‘Hello, I am here’.”

Rossana Gotelli lives and works in Genoa.
As a student of art, she focused on bronze and marble techniques. Her deep exploration of ceramics began
in the 1990s and she is now a master of the material, teaching various ceramic techniques and coordination masterclasses and courses.

“When I approached ceramics for the first time
I was captured by its colours, it’s brightness and by the magic of fire, and immediately it became a real true passion,” explains Gotelli. “The work is changeable, revolving, imbued with seeds of life and infinite chromatic varieties... There are no rules in this game, like in dreams.”

In 2013 Gotelli was made president of Sculturaceramic, a cultural association that aims to promote contemporary art with a particular focus on how it can be used
as a tool against the social and human crises.

“In a moment of general uncertainty in which the crisis embraces
all aspects of life, the viewer of art is led to reflect on his own human qualities,” she says.

 Her work is sometimes functional, taking the recognisable forms
of vases and vessels. At other times Gotelli creates otherworldly sculptural pieces. 

“My work, sometimes has an aesthetic function, others a practical one,” she explains, “but beyond the specificity of the piece, it has the same meaning: to contribute to my own and others’ happiness.”