→ inside the studio
This is not a factory.
It’s a place of mindfulness — to materials, rhythms, and intuition. Pieces take shape slowly, guided by gestures, stories and codes.
In an age governed by acceleration, Lea Studioscarves a different rhythm. The studio develops objects through hybrid slow and long processes that combine parametric modeling, controlled extrusion, and iterative hand-finishing.
Clay is approached as an active agent — its moisture, density, and drying behavior influence structure and geometry throughout the making process. Algorithms define spatial frameworks rather than fixed outcomes. The material’s response remains a determining force, allowing surfaces to retain evidence of layering, retraction shifts, and tool marks. The artworks reflect these traces as records of time, process, and spontaneous interaction.
The founder
Mother and daughter duo
Ionela and Valentina are united by a mutual
fascination with giving form through intuition
and research. They founded Lea Studios in 2023
— a ceramic atelier where code and gesture
support each other, just as they do in their
everyday life as mother and daughter.
IONELA BELLATO
With a background in interior and computational
design, she developed a deep interest in the
intersection between digital systems, material
behavior and emotional resonance. Her research
explores the expressive potential of clay through
parametric design, robotic fabrication and poetic
narrative. She leads the studio’s creative direction
shaping its hybrid identity.
VALENTINA COJOCARU
Intuitive and grounded, she embodies the
tactile intelligence at the core of the studio.
Her approach is rooted in gesture, patience and
instinct. She complements the studio’s digital
experiments with a strong sense of rhythm
and material presence, shaping and refining
each piece by hand.
Selected milestones:
Founded the studio in a former bank turned into
a ceramic atelier in northern Italy. Exhibited at
Salone del Mobile, Isola Design, 1000 vases,
Maison&Objet and Code&Craft London.
Collaborations with design furniture as Saba
Italia, Roda Outdoors, Cassina, Porro, Lualdi,
Lapalma, Poltrona Frau, Miniforms. Artworks
featured in Porro New York showroom, private
collections across Europe and the US.
Special event for Bulgari (2024) with designer
Federica Paglia and commissions for venetian
artist Elisabetta Di Maggio (2025) in Frangibile at
GAM Turin. Featured in Homo Faber Guide as
rising stars in contemporary ceramic design,
Dezeen, Living Design Issue Corriere della Sera.