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Giovanni Filippini

I was born in 1956 in Rivera, and in 1976 I began teaching in elementary schools, where I worked for 20 years. After two years of volunteer work (one in Calcutta and one in Rwanda), I returned to Ticino and obtained certification to teach food education at middle school.

Weaving has always greatly interested me, and after attending several adult courses in Ticino and spending many weeks in internships in German-speaking Switzerland and Milan, in September 2000, I started a new professional training at CSIA in Lugano in the hand-weaving section, completing my studies in 2003. After an internship at the Hulsflidslag center in Vevstova Voss and the Spindelvev studio in Arna, Norway, in 2004 I started my career as a weaver by opening a workshop in Rivera, first in a rented space and later at my own home.

Giovanni Filippini
Giovanni Filippini

I was also fortunate to attend a one-week course in Sardinia with Bisso master Chiara Vigo, whom I have regularly met since 2007. Since September 2014, I have been enjoying retirement. In 2017 and 2018, I attended two-week courses at the A2 studio of France-Odile Perrin-Crinière in Aubusson, France, to learn the tapestry technique. Aubusson is called the cité internationale de la tapisserie, where weavers and dyers are trained in this technique, which is experiencing a revival.

In 2019, I took a trip of over three weeks to Japan, including a seven-day stay and internship on the island of Okinawa to learn the banana fiber technique at the “Bananesia” studio of Fukushima Yasuhiro. In 2021, I attended a cyanotype course at Barbara Bonvin’s studio in Romainmôtier.

In general, I create various types of fabrics on commission and offer visits to anyone interested in getting closer to the world of weaving. In the past, I have collaborated with several local elementary schools on school projects. For several years, I have been working with the Museum of Rural Civilization in Stabio, providing consultancy, particularly regarding the textile sector.

My activity includes the weaving and trading of my creations.  You can see some of my creations in the photo gallery.

The exhibitions and events proposed by the Atelier Tessitura Filippini

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