About Me: Michela Bortolozzi

I am a Venetian who loves and believes in her city and the stories it holds.

I don't feel confined to a specific category, nor do I define myself strictly as a painter or sculptor - rather, I consider myself an explorer.

My name is Michela, and I’m a designer based in Venice. Born in the lagoon in 1986, I’ve always had a passion for traveling.
Traveling is a key part of my creative process, and through my journeys, I immerse myself in different cultures, learning from the materials and techniques they offer.
My designs are deeply inspired by the experiences and wisdom of the people I meet along the way.

I graduated from IUAV University and have worked and studied in Morocco, Palestine, and South Africa. In each place, I’ve connected with local artisans and communities, creating objects and organizing events that highlight the traditions and craftsmanship of each region. My creative process is driven by the material itself and my interactions with the people around me - using my hands to shape and transform these elements into meaningful pieces.

I’ve always embraced the act of ‘walking hand by hand’ with others, exchanging knowledge and experiences without barriers.
This connection is what fuels my work, which is why I love to describe myself as a nomadic creative.

Yet, no matter how far I travel, I always return to my Venice. On one hand, the city remains unchanged - its bells, canals, and iconic three-part windows; on the other, I witness its fragility as it faces the pressures of aggressive tourism.

It is here, in my beloved Venice, that I’ve decided to tell the stories I’ve learned through my work and exploring.
In 2020, I opened my studio in Cannaregio, where I balance my time between designing and teaching sculpture. I set up a shop in Calle Zancani 2430, near Campo Santa Fosca, with a store initially called "Eat and Run" - a playful reminder of how NOT to experience Venice.
In 2023, I renamed it "Relight Venice," reflecting my mission to bring light back to the city and its traditions.

My creations are made entirely from locally sourced, sustainable materials, and I’m passionate about supporting local craftsmanship.
For example, I sculpt candles inspired by Venetian architecture and create architectural lollipops. When you consume them, only the stick remains - a reminder of over-consumption and a call to reflect on our choices.

Through my work, I aim to shine a light on Venice’s rich history while contributing to its future in a sustainable and meaningful way.

Curriculum

• MA in Sustainable Local Development
  Marrakech (University of Florence, ESAV - École Supérieure des Arts Visuels, and Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech), curated by Biagio Cisotti. Awarded for the best project in Sustainable Local Development.

• MA in Planning and Production of Visual Arts
  IUAV University - Venice.

• MA in Fine Arts
  Middlesex University - London (LLP Erasmus Program).

• Fine Arts Academy
  Venice.

• Workshop and International Artist Residency
  Led by artist Rirkrit Tiravanija at Fondazione Spinola Banna per l’Arte, Banna, Poirino.

• Ongoing Collaboration with FabLab Venezia
  Working on 3D printing workshops and innovative production processes.

• Production Assistant

  • Design Utopia & Utility Studio - London.

  • Tortus - Copenhagen.

  • Joana Vasconcelos Studio - Lisbon, Portugal.

• Collaboration with Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana
  Working with the educational department of the François Pinault Foundation in Venice.

• Educational Projects
  Contributed to educational initiatives in Kenya, at the National Gallery of Cape Town, and at the Venice Architecture Biennale for the German Pavilion - Bundeskunsthalle Bonn.

• Exhibitions
  My work has been exhibited in Venice and internationally.

Contacts: info.relightvenice.com