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Born
in Quebec, Tommy Giovanni Zen comes from generations of Venetian
cabinet-makers. From his earliest youth onwards he understood
the importance of know-how in craftsmanship. Starting at a very
young age, Zen learned in his fathers atelier traditional
woodworking techniques and most importantly, the application of
metals, gold, silver, bronze and copper leaf on furniture, which
gives ornamental woods their rich finish.
At
age sixteen Zen discovered a passion for ceramics, which
inspired him to fuse the art of gilding on furniture to gilding
on ceramic, thus continuing the family tradition in a new way.
Zen
inherited from his French Canadian mother perseverance, which
continues to lead him to explore new horizons without limits.
Hailing from the Canadian capital of pottery,
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Tommy Giovanni Zen is proud to present
Quebec artistry around the world.
Right from the start, Tommy Giovanni Zen fused two traditional
ceramic techniques - coils and throwing - which permits him to
create pieces of imposing magnitude.
This
was the beginning of years of experimentation and diligent
research in chemistry and configuration. Exploring the use of
modern resins Zen links the ancient to the contemporary
materials. Furthermore, he integrates varnish
and
metal leafs - including oxidized bronze - with finishes, instead
of traditional glazing.
Always searching for new experiences, Zen frequently associates
himself with other artists from different disciplines. Several
of these associations were instrumental in helping him to evolve
and surpass his own limits.
Zen,
an open and passionate communicator, welcomes apprentices to
whom he likes to transmit his skills. To him, the next
generation and the dissemination of this great art, are of prime
importance for the evolution of ceramics. |
