About Us
Who We Are
My name is Elena Valtorta and I am the founder of Essentia Ceramics.
I was born in Italy, where I graduated in classical studies and archaeology. During these years, I developed a passion for material culture and ceramics, especially in connection with the Mediterranean civilizations. I then switched to a career in financial services, but came back after several years to discover the healing power of ceramics making.
In a hectic world, creating clay objects demands patience and time; every piece needs to be crafted with care and at slow pace, reproducing the same moves our ancestors passed through the centuries.
Essentia Ceramics is a project born in a London studio in 2024 which brings together simplicity, elegance and creativity to produce unique, handmade pieces.
Our Philosophy
With a background in historical and philosophical studies, I am particularly intrigued by the philosophical concept of 'Essentia' (ancient Greek ‘οὐσία’), the essence that remains constant amidst the constant flow of change.
This concept resonates with my approach to working with clay. While the material undergoes transformation throughout the process, it retains its soul, its core identity, much like the idea of 'Essentia' This reflects my belief that, despite the inevitable changes that occur, there is an underlying continuity that defines the essence of something.
My work is deeply focused on transforming porcelain through handbuilding techniques. This method is slow and intentional, allowing for a personal touch and creating results that are always unique. Each piece is a process of exploration, where I vary and distort the forms as I work, delving deeper into the possibilities of the medium.
All my pieces are handmade and created from unique Essentia designs, inspired by natural elements and individually crafted without the use of stamps, decals or casting, to ensure that one piece has its own story and it is truly one-of-a-kind.
