Riccardo Scott - Feb 25'

Artist Interview - Riccardo Scott 

Star Jumps with Thomas Baker & Scott Brough 

1, How did you start your pottery career ? 

I started working with clay by chance. I was visiting New Zealand when COVID happened and got stuck here. While waiting, I began working in a pottery studio—and the rest, as they say, is history.

2, Having an Italian heritage in your blood, do you think you references some of their tradition into your work ?

My Italian heritage has a big influence on my work, not just in form but also in how working with clay has helped ground my Italian identity in New Zealand—quite literally. I enjoy seeing my heritage come through in my work while using New Zealand materials. It creates a sense of solidarity where there was once a sense of absence.

3, People admire how you work so freely and swiftly but very control, I bet it has come from your nature of being having the fine hand work, were you always like that ? 

Growing up between New Zealand and Italy had its challenges. Moving frequently and switching between different languages and school systems was disorienting. Art, drawing, and making were the constants that transcended language—a form of communication I’ve relied on for a long time.

4, Your background of being graphic designer (?) having father as architect, did you grow up to critic about art and the vision ? Do you think some of those background enhance your work ? 

I’ve worked in many different mediums and was fortunate to study graphic design at university. The most fascinating part was having the time to experiment—balancing practical work with theory. I see everything as an additive process rather than divided disciplines. The more you practice and learn, the more possibilities open up in making.

5, Do you have a ‘Hero' of artists / maker ?

I have many influences—painters, sculptors, jewelers, both contemporary and historical. But there’s no one artist I hold above others. My community—dealers, coworkers, friends, and family—plays an essential role in my work. It’s because of them that I create, and I see it as an incredible privilege to be able to make art.

6, What ‘Craft means to you ? 

In today’s world, where machines can produce things faster and cheaper, craft has taken on a new meaning. The necessity of hand-making has diminished, but in doing so, it has gained a higher status—closer to art, yet still distinct. I like craft because I can hide the art behind its function.