artist of the 'white heads' Daniela Pircher
The communication trainer and artist was born in 1981 in Merano , South Tyrol. Seventeen years ago, she created her first pair of sculptures, the "White Heads." With her works in clay—mostly blackened or white natural clay—the inspiring "White Heads ," she has since created not only a visually striking expression. Behind her works lies, above all, the spirit of the art of communication. "In genuine connection with ourselves and in genuine connection with the person we love and the people in our lives lies an ocean of potential. "
Even as a child, the artist saw the potential in everything – in people, materials, and moments. Expression, strength, and a talent for improvisation have always been part of her life. She has lived with a type 1 diabetes diagnosis since she was nine years old, and later, at the age of 34, she overcame a breast cancer diagnosis. "Happiness envelops us most intensely when we feel genuine connection , even in difficult moments ," says the artist.
Her artistic journey began when she was seven years old in St. Mark's Square in Venice.
The street artists there and a bronze sculpture in a shop window deeply moved her and awakened her fascination for artistic expression. Even then, she won the annual painting competition at the elementary school in Dorf Tirol, where she grew up with her three sisters. At 14, she attended her first pottery class with an Italian artist – a formative experience, as her first piece – Mary and Joseph as a Christmas present for her parents – didn't meet her expectations. She decided to keep creating until what she made matched the image in her mind and was a unique expression of her art. Over the years, this developed into her own artistic style – shaped by the fascination of the natural material clay. She works primarily with white or blackened clay, creating heads, but above all, pairs of heads, each one unique. Owners of the "white heads" are often not only captivated by the visual impact of the sculptures , but also find in them reflections and messages for their own love. This gave rise to the idea of the "White Heads" book, in which people can write down their thoughts and imaginary conversations while looking at their pair of heads. A little over a decade ago, Carmen and Klaus from the Miramonti Boutique Hotel in Hafling approached the artist of the "White Heads"—since then, her work has found favor in various spaces.
Daniela finds inspiration in good conversations, travel, and nature – with a particular fondness for crystal-clear mountain lakes . She also finds inspiration in singing, soulful evenings, and wedding fairs. or baptisms, she expresses her creativity.
"Good conversations" are also what the "white heads" embody. The viewer is invited to intuitively listen to the exchange, the imaginary conversations of the heads. Questions like "Do you remember the moment when... I felt deeply connected to you?" or "What I love so much about you is..." can be recorded in the "Book of 'White Heads'. " The Book of 'White Heads' will also be part of the exhibition at the Bolzano Winery in January/February 2026, where visitors can record their thoughts there.