Walter Usai

Name and surname? Walter Usai.
Nationality? Italian.
Place of birth? Cagliari.
Place of living? Assemini (Cagliari).
Age? 49
Single or in a relationship? In a couple.
Children? 2.
Your studies? High-school diploma.

A brief introduction of yourself as a crafter? Walter Usai is a ceramist from Assemini, a small town in the province of Cagliari. He continues the family tradition handed down by his father Elvio, a master potter for four generations. Linked to tradition, he tells the popular story of the island; a profession made of earth, water, fire and, above all, passion. Through his creations made using the potter’s wheel, Walter brings the tradition of pottery to life, every day. Even today, in his small workshop/shop, he creates artefacts of the popular tradition and simple objects of common use. The ceramists’ task, after all, was precisely to create objects that could be useful to the daily life of a family. Aware that tradition must be maintained and, at the same time, renewed in order to instil new life in the profession, Walter started playing with clay, creating a wider production, boasting plays of lines and colour. In his production, he reinterprets shapes in a contemporary way, as well as new ideas, without ever forgetting the importance of origins. That explains why there is still room for that tradition, which preserves the same charm and elegance of an old lady, who – despite the passing years – stands out, leaving everyone speechless. He knows the secrets of the traditional processes, and he decided to combine them with clean and balanced touches, just like the objects that tell the story of the island are flanked by artefacts with a contemporary mood. These unique creations – made of water, clay and passion – combine the teachings of the past with modern research, without sacrificing quality or attention to detail, rather, enhancing them.

Artistic specialization? Ceramist/wheel pottery.
At what age did you start being a designer/crafter/artist? 20.
How do you begin one of your works? From a drawing, I create my work on the potter’s wheel, using clay.
Does anyone else help you create your works, or do you do everything by yourself? Yes, my wife and my father.
How do you choose the name of your piece? It’s based on its story.
In your projects, what other languages does your design dialogue with? Furniture and design.
How would you place your works in a house/office/hotel? They are usually placed in any environment.

Do you have any of your works at home? Yes.
If you had the chance to place one of your pieces in a public or private place/home/location, what would it be? Museums and private homes.
What is the most beautiful house you have ever seen? Dante Bini’s Dome in Costa Paradiso, Sardinia.
A designer you wish could create one of your pieces? Cino Boeri, Federico Spagnulo.
If you weren’t a designer/crafter/artist, what would you do? Sociologist.
What designer/crafter/artist (even from the past) would you like to know? Nino Caruso.
An anecdote with Rossana that you will never forget? “What a beautiful reality…”
Your favourite city? Madrid.
A trip that you would like to take? Japan.