IDDA

In 2026 I worked on a new collection and new research on natural enamel dedicated to Etna, the volcano in the heart of Sicily.

Mount Etna rises on the eastern coast of Sicily, southwest of the Peloritani Mountains and southeast of the Nebrodi Mountains. It is the highest active volcano in Europe and among the most active in the world.

The city of Catania and the Etna villages nestled on its slopes have a visceral relationship with the volcano. In fact, the people of Catania usually refer to Etna using the feminine expression "A muntagna" (the mountain, in Sicilian) or "Idda" (she, in Sicilian), like a benevolent yet fearsome mother.

During frequent eruptions, pyroclastic ash and lapilli from Etna completely cover the streets of Catania and surrounding towns. This ash is considered waste and must be disposed of.

My goal was to transform this natural material from waste into ceramic glaze.
Over the past few months, I've conducted some firing tests and studied the possible applications of Etna dust, which vitrifies at high temperatures and becomes a perfect ceramic coating.
Below are my first pieces from the new IDDA Collection.