The alignment of the notions of chemistry, mechanics and art history brings back the author’s hand to the engraving technique. With Ornamentum, De Castelli returns to the essence of decoration, emphasizing the deliberate slowness of the manual gesture. After Glyphé and Biomorphic, two distinct explorations of the forging technique and organic deformation of material, this year the Veneto-based company presents
an entirely personal interpretation of engraving. It is the third chapter in a story that weaves design and decoration in the name of experimentation. Bringing industrial process and high craftsmanship together, CEO Albino Celato, once again blends strategic vision and creativity.

The result is a collection of copper slabs that come to life through the power of the project.

“The technique of erosion is particularly versatile: acting heterogeneously on surfaces, it allows for a certain amount of impurities to survive”

affirms up Albino Celato. That which can be replicated lacks perfection because the fascination of uniqueness is embedded within imperfection. All different yet similarly arising from the same ancient and mysterious process. Never flawless, but always worthy of contemplation.

The challenge of the third dimension has now been met and triumphed over: the works created for Ornamentum by the 31 designers involved speak for themselves. Touching them tells the story not only of the person who wrote it, with lettering, optical graphics, and organic storytelling, but also of the person who made it.

Adele Martelli, Adriano Design, Alessandro Masturzo, Alexander Purcell, Artefatto, Alessandra Baldereschi, Baldessari e Baldessari, Constance Guisset, Cino Zucchi, Debonademeo, Delineo Design, Draw Studio, Elena Salmistraro, Elisa Ossino, Emilio Nanni, Francesca Lanzavecchia, Francesco Forcellini, Gumdesign, Leonardo Sonnoli, Luca Pevere, Marco Pisati, Martinelli Venezia, Matteo Zorzenoni, Minelli Fossati, Nathalie Dewez, Studio Nuvole, Pio e Tito Toso, Sam Baron, Stormo Studio, Tipstudio, Zanellato/Bortotto.