Today, Thursday 9 May It’s disappeared the ceramist, master of shaping, Sergio Soli. Having trained for three years at the ‘Ballardini’ institute in Faenza, Soli then completed his studies with two years of specialization in ‘lathe shaping’. After his first experiences in the ceramic studios of Panos Tsolakos and Carlo Zauli, he then taught in various art institutes before arriving at the chair of ‘Forging and shaping’ at Ballardini, an experience which lasted until 1993. The list of collaborations with ceramists; after Panos and Zauli he also ‘designed’ for Ivo Sassi, Gino Geminiani and finally for Mirta Morigi with whom he collaborated for about ten years. Sergio Soli has always been a very active figure in the city, especially in the organization and jury of the Mondial Tornianti, the event that brings the best shapers on the planet to Faenza. On the occasion of the 2020 edition of ‘Made in Italy’, the Faenza Ceramics Authority awarded him recognition for the enormous work done in over 70 years of activity to promote the culture of ceramics.
The condolences of the Mayor, Massimo Isola: “With the passing of Sergio we lose a master. Our city has had a great tradition of clay moulders which unfortunately today in Faenza, as in all of Europe, rarely finds new figures. Turners are fundamental elements of the ceramic production process. These artisans allow many workshops to create qualitatively important ceramics. I fondly remember Sergio whom I met and frequented in various workshops in Faenza but also as one of the pillars of the organization of the Mondial Tornianti, always in the front row of the jury and passing on his knowledge to the competitors. Sergio was a gentle person and always available to others. He will be greatly missed by the entire Faenza community and by the many friends who loved him. I feel the pain of his family, his wife Paola and his three daughters.”
