Elisa Bertaglia shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Elisa, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I must admit, this time of year has become incredibly hectic. I decided to apply for a course at Harvard—and I got accepted! The only catch is that I’m based in New York. My class is on Thursdays, and I commute weekly to Boston, which has significantly changed my routine.
On Thursday mornings, I wake up at 3:15 AM, forcing myself out of bed, and grab a strong cup of coffee to stay awake during my journey to Penn Station. At 5:44 AM, I catch the train to South Station in Boston. During the trip, I catch up on sleep, read, or tackle some emails.
Once I arrive in Boston, I can’t help but feel excited and a bit fidgety. From there, I take a short subway and bus ride to the Harvard Ceramics Studio. The weather is usually nice, and I enjoy the scenic beauty of the city center along the way. Right next to the studio is Sofra, an amazing coffee shop where I have my real brunch—whether it’s shakshuka, an egg sandwich, or just coffee paired with one of their Turkish pastries.
Then comes the highlight of my day: I enter the ceramics studio and immediately head to the wheels. I start throwing everything—bowls, vases, cups, plates. It’s pure joy. Time flies by as I feel completely focused and immersed in the process. After class, the evening passes quickly. By 11:00 PM, I leave the studio and catch a bus to my friends’ house near North Station. Sometimes, I grab a warm sandwich in Allston, or I just feel a bit sleepy on the subway ride.
Thankfully, the next day starts a little later, but it’s just as exciting as the first. My love affair with clay continues, and the studio’s energy keeps me fully engaged and inspired.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an Italian artist based in New York City since 2021. Primarily a painter, I create works in various sizes, including drawings and paintings, but I also explore small sculptures, site-specific installations, and wall drawings. In 2017, I was awarded an artist residency at Officine Saffi Foundation, where I discovered my passion for working with clay. Since then, I’ve made it a point to work in a clay studio, combining my love for painting with my newfound interest in ceramics.
My work investigates the concept of the threshold as a space of metamorphosis and transformation. This theme naturally intersects with other ideas like nature, dualism, and symbolism.
I’m always seeking new challenges and pushing my work into uncharted territory. This sense of exploration and experimentation is the most exciting part of my practice.
I’ve recently opened my third solo show at SARAHCROWN gallery, in New York, The Rest, and I am very excited about it!
This coming December I will take part in a two-person show at the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art in New York.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I thrive on challenges and love putting myself to the test—but it’s never easy.
I remember my professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice. He had strong opinions about my work and how he thought I should develop it. At first, his advice felt like constructive criticism, but over time, he became increasingly intrusive, pushing me to follow his “instructions.” And I’m not talking about technical advice on how to paint—I mean he started telling me what colors to use, what shapes to create, how to finish a piece, and even what I should paint.
That was the breaking point for me. He insisted I work on a specific topic, and when I didn’t follow his directives exactly, he became aggressive. I felt completely crushed and discouraged—but I also realized I had hit rock bottom.
From that moment on, I stopped following his impositions. I decided to pursue only what felt true to me. I gave myself the freedom to listen to his advice from a distance, valuing it but no longer feeling obligated to follow it. I refused to let anyone subtly force me into submission.
For the first time, I felt empowered, free, and truly happy. I realized that my work was mine alone, and I was responsible for it. That was when I found the strength to stand up for myself, beginning a long, challenging, but incredibly liberating journey. I started showing the world that my decisions were my own.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could speak to my younger self, I would tell her that tough times would come. People would try to push me down, to stifle my freedom, and life would get difficult—but I would make it through. I’d urge her to stay strong, to smile more, and to learn earlier how to let go of things that weigh her down. I’d remind her to have the courage to cut off the dead branches in her life—those things and people are never worth holding on to.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’m getting there. In the past, I would have said no. But today, after working hard on this, I can proudly say that the public version of myself is now very close to the real me. And that’s incredibly satisfying.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I’m right there now! I haven’t felt this happy about my work in years. The daily routine—emails, connections, public relations, or just paying bills—often drains so much of the joy. Lately, I’ve been working on getting better organized so I can have full days in the studio, where I can focus completely—whether I’m painting or working at the wheel. When I’m there, I feel completely immersed, insanely happy.
My work is my life, and I embrace every minute in the studio. When the day ends, I feel fulfilled, with a sense of physical satisfaction, pure happiness, and excitement for the new day ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elisabertaglia.com
- Instagram: @bertagliaelisa
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-bertaglia-ba0a12240
Image Credits
Credits SARAHCROWN New York and the artist
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