leonardo talarico handcrafts monolithic bench + fountain from tuscan travertine

from the quarries of tuscany to the hands of regional artisans

From the quarries of Tuscany to the skilled hands of regional artisans, Leonardo Talarico unveils NATURALE — a series of sculptural furniture objects at Marmomac 2023. Synergizing artisanal craftsmanship and the beauty of nature, this venture with the Travertino Toscano brand for Lapis Vitae presents a backless bench and a fountain for cascading water — born from nature, from the local natural stone, Tuscan travertine. With their organic and monolithic volumes that gracefully intertwine, the bold pieces embrace the rugged elegance of the stone, sculpting into visual and tactile experiences.

all images courtesy of Leonardo Talarico

leonardo talarico embraces the rugged nature of the stone

As designer Leonardo Talarico explains, ‘My thoughts immediately went to the difference in size and thickness between blocks and slabs that the company usually produces and how to create a combination of design between large volumes and slender shapes: hence the idea of designing monolithic objects with a new light… I liked the idea of adding my own mark to the design, as if it were a style signature.’

Each piece in the NATURALE collection shares a common name, a tribute to their pure, unadorned forms. The NATURALE bench, with its whispering backrest, unfolds as a communal seat or a natural lounger for resting and stargazing. This piece will make its debut at Marmomac 2023 and later be presented at the Pinetum event at Villa Gaeta in Montevarchi, Arezzo, on September 30th. There, the NATURALE fountain, a convergence of two stone blades cascading water like a waterfall will also take to the stage. This display culminates as water finds its way into its solid limestone base emerging from the earth.

Leonardo Talarico unveils NATURALE at Marmomac 2023