In the Studio with AnnaLeaClelia Tunesi
We recently had the pleasure of visiting AnnaLeaClelia Tunesi's London studio. Lea describes her work as "contemporary archaeology," aiming to anticipate the future by honoring the past in the present moment. "I want to combine the past, present, and something unexpected because the future is uncertain," she explains. Her studio was incredibly inspiring, offering us a deeper connection to her work than ever before. We asked her some questions and gained valuable insights into her beautiful process.
Our Q&A with Lea in her London-based studio:
What was your main source of inspiration for designing/choosing your studio?
I chose my studio because of its proximity to a swimming pool, which I use to relax. Furthermore, the Broadway Market area is like a village. One lives in a bubble separated from the chaos of London. A quiet but vibrant area.
What does a day in your studio look like?
I cycle to the studio with my cargo bike and my poodles. Orso and Mumu, around ten ish. We stop for a walk and a nice hot coffee. Misty wintery days are the perfect start to a productive day.
Once I arrived at the studio I was overwhelmed by things to do. Life in the studio is busy and addictive. I work endlessly even while having lunch. I can't stop, clay gives me a feverish feeling. Time flies. All of a sudden it is late evening, and regrettably, I have to leave. I wish I could have a sofa and sometimes take a nap before I start working again!
Do you have any studio must haves? A podcast? Playlist? Snacks?
Silence is my music.
Only occasionally do I break the silence by listening to podcasts on art subjects.
 Dancing Giara I |
 Dancing Giara III |
What time of day is most productive for you in your studio?
From the early afternoon onwards. However, the highlight of my day is when I open the kiln, which has the last say. Exciting, satisfying, disappointing, challenging, trepidation. All these feelings show all together once the kiln door is opened.
We are so intrigued by your method to create your textured, layered, and truly unique ceramic pieces. How did you originally gain inspiration for your pieces?
I find the main inspiration for my pieces from Etruscan, Roman, and Greek vessels but also architecture, columns, temples, bas-relief decorations, fragments, etc. I overlap various styles and historical periods, evoking mysterious archaeological findings
Many artists and creators consider the place where they create just as important as the final artwork. Do you find that your studio is a haven that inspires you to produce your best work? Why or why not?
My studio is located in a very vibrant area. There are a lot of artists, independent shops and two wonderful independent libraries with a wide variety of art books! A miracle in London.
The building was originally created for makers and still is.
There is a very heterogeneous population.
All these aspects influence my creativity. My space is just a simple medium-sized room overlooking a parking space, nothing romantic, nevertheless, my imagination is happily galloping.
 Giara z |
 Alrata |
How would you describe your artistic style in a few words?
Contemporary Archeology
Your pieces are truly unique and add a timeless beauty to a space. Besides ceramics, what other materials are you curious about bringing into your studio and exploring?
I would like to try to mix ceramics with metals such as copper, iron and sand of various different compositions.
Do you find inspiration in nature or the every-day world that you feel transforms your art? What are those muses?
The final parts of my shapes and glazes are inspired by catastrophic aspects of nature, volcano eruptions, big waves, stones eroded by wind, crevasses, dry earth’s land, earthquakes.Shop all AnnaLeaClelia Tunesi >
