Frank Giorgini

1947Born

 2023 Died

EDUCATION

1967Coursework in Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania

1971BFA, Art Education, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York

1971BID, Industrial Design, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York

1977MFA, Ceramics, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

1973-1974Art Teacher, Copiague Senior High School, Copiague, New York

1979-1982Art Teacher, Greenville Central School System, Greenville, New York

1985-1999Faculty, Architectural Tile Design, and Fabrication, Parsons School of Design, New York, New York

BIOGRAPHY

Frank Giorgini is known for handmade tile mosaics and modern ceramic 'Udu' drums. Giorgini's tile work often features flora, fauna, humans, or architecture. The majority of his tiles are in a low relief. Glazing techniques vary. Raw clay, raku, or brightly colored glazing techniques are employed depending on the design. Tile compositions range in sizes from a single hand-held tile to a complete architectural wall installation.

In addition to his work in tile, Giorgini is credited with designing the modern Udu Drum. First learning the obscure Nigerian pottery technique from Abbas M. Ahuan in 1974. Giorgini has since developed many iterations of the drum to improve the sound, durability, and functionality of the instrument. In the subsequent decades, Giorgini introduced the United States to the instrument. Giorgini's interest in the promotion of the Udu drum has impacted music globally, in turn revitalizing the production of Udu in its native Nigeria and by Giorgini in the U.S.