Silence and Gesture

Silence and Gesture — 静けさと所作 (Shizukesa to Shosa)

A collection inspired by the Japanese tea ceremony

I created this small collection in a special moment.
These two vases were born from my deep fascination with the Japanese tea ceremony (Chanoyu), where everything is about gesture, silence, and intention.
Each piece was designed as part of a dialogue — one speaks of structure, of quiet preparation. The other, of offering, of gentle welcome.

I named this series Silence and Gesture — 静けさと所作 because that’s how I feel what happens between the hands and the clay.
It’s an encounter. A pause. A more present way of seeing and making.

I’m still at the beginning of my journey as a ceramic artist, but these two pieces represent an important step.
They were made slowly, with care, research, and respect — for the technique, the culture, and the time required at each stage.

By admin, 19 June, 2025

Between gesture and silence, the Japanese influence in my beginnings.

Between Gesture and Silence

Before shaping my first large piece, I had already made over 200 small ones — cups, plates, ornaments — created slowly, one by one, while learning. I keep them all with care, as they’re part of my beginning. But it was still a quiet, delicate start — a time of experimentation.

Something changed in the studio of my teacher, Magali Ercolin. One day, she showed me a book. It was there, among the materials, as if waiting to be found. And it was.

Renata Catena at the 55th Koguei Bunkyo Art Exhibition

My work began at a moment when I was seeking silence — and I found it in clay.

I'm Renata Catena, and I'm still at the beginning of my path as a ceramicist. I’ve been learning slowly, with my hands and with time — through attempts, mistakes, and the small joys that come along the way. I come from a fast-paced life — I run a business, I’m involved in social projects — but it was through ceramics that I found a different space. A quieter rhythm, more grounded. A pace that invites presence.

Silence and Gesture