Inma Bermudez
Giovanni Battista Fadigati of Este Ceramiche Porcellane
On her visit to Este Ceramiche Porcellane, Inma Bermúdez was especially impressed by the fine hand painting she saw. For Doppia Firma, she decided to work with existing pieces from the Este production range so as not to have to make new moulds, which is a long process. The factory’s warehouse is a treasure trove of ancient moulds that are still used today.
She chose a plate and a tray. “I decided to modernise the ‘romantic country style’ paintings of flowers, animals and fish that are traditional decorations on the ceramics produced here. Using Photoshop, I took the same motifs, but positioned them in other rhythms and combinations to make them more contemporary,” says Bermúdez.
To add three-dimensionality, she attached a deer-shaped figurine produced by the atelier to the tray and painted it non-realistically, taking a step away from tradition. Giovanni Battista Fadigati, the owner of Este Ceramiche Porcellane, is enthusiastic about Bermúdez’s work. He likes it that traditions are visible, yet the first impact is contemporary. “Inma is sensible, knowledgeable and has good taste,” he says. “We hope to collaborate with her in the future, perhaps by working on lines of dinnerware.” He appreciates the Doppia Firma initiative for being a stimulus to innovate, something he says is easy to forget when you’re busy filling orders. “Although ceramics is considered a minor art, it is a hugely attractive medium for artists and designers. People love to have beautiful objects in their home. We need to teach young people the techniques of experienced craftspeople.”