From South of Milan to Ubud in Bali Marcello and Michela Have created a phenomenally successful and creative enterprise the genesis of which began with the search for new patinas for sculpture by Michela. She turned to ceramics for the answers – and so Gaya was born. Marcello on the other hand comes from a background in economics and politics which evolved into a deep love and understanding for ceramics when he helped his wife set up her sculpture studio.
In 2000 they exhibited a small collection at The Salone del Mobile, Milano.
A chance encounter with an entrepreneur/investor at the Salone, and a trip to Bali was the beginning of what is to day Gaya Ceramics. Primarily focused on custom collections ranging from tabletop to artworks and installations designed by Michela as creative director and overseen by Marcello the factory/studio produces everything on site working closely with interior designers, chefs and architects. From the raw minerals purchased from local mining companies they create their own raw clay, develop original glazes as well as rediscovering lost heritage glazes from 16ct Korea and China and explore new and old firing techniques by creating their own kilns. With an army of local talent trained by Marcello and Michela and drawn from the village in which Gaya is located, they can produce up to 70,000 pieces a year.
Not content with creating beautiful collections of unusual and inspired ceramics Marcello and Michela went on to found the Gaya Ceramic Education Centre which enables ceramic artists to develop and realise their own creations in residencies as well as workshops held in the specially designed and built education centre close to the factory. With a range of purpose built kilns catering for different types of firing, to private workspaces and clay and glaze development and testing stations, Gaya ceramics is undoubtedly helping to push the boundaries in contemporary ceramics. To date David Haughton of HBA Resorts has commissioned and worked closely with Gaya on a number of bespoke installations at restaurants and residences in Bali…….