I'm always looking to show the work of artists from around the world. So, when Alice Floriano, a jewelry artist from Porto Alegre, Brazil, introduced herself to me, I was delighted. I decided to find out more about her
I was immediately drawn to the way Alice combines sculpted wood with beautiful silver in unexpected ways. Each of the pieces featured here shows her knack for matching different materials beautifully.
Here's my short interview with Alice.
You were born in Porto Alegre, Brazil and have studied in Lisbon (a city that I adore!) and London. Which experience and/or place has been most influential in your artistic development and why?
I love travelling and I believe I always grasp and absorb a lot of information and culture of all the places I travel to. It was in Lisbon that I got myself into jewelry and started dedicating my time to it. I had a very important experience in the former “Contato Direto” school of arts, where I was fortunate to work and learn with Tereza Seabra, who has such importance and influence in the jewelry world. I had a great time in Lisbon.
How did you decide to become a jewelry artist?
I'm not exactly sure what was the moment ... I've always wanted to express myself through clothing, accessories and adornments. Over time I realized that jewelry would fulfill this need, because I have also always been very attached to tools and crafting. When I started, I knew that this "alchemy" was my path. It's a job that completes me, physically, emotionally and professionally ... I've always been stimulated by the visual field.
What inspires your designs?
What inspires me? Simple things in life, smells, stories, textures .... Sad things, beautiful things ... I feel like materializing feelings.
Would you please tell me about the materials you work with? I notice that you sometimes combine wood with silver, which I love. Do you carve the wood yourself?
I work mostly with silver, organic materials, wood, acrylic materials sometimes .... I sculpt some parts, and others are done by a “Makonde” craftsman from Mozambique who works with me.
Please tell me about these pieces.
The Sardines necklace (below) was inspired by a popular religious festival in Portugal, in the “Santos Polulares” celebration. There's people roasting sardines in the streets, everywhere, it's beautiful. A lot of inspiration. Never seen anything like it ... it's a raw celebration ... and I needed to materialize it somehow ....
The Shooting Ring (below) is “loaded with wishes”. As a child, I learned to make three wishes when a shooting star falls .... The ring is made in 950 silver and meteorite rock from a meteorite fallen in Argentina, near where I live. The soldering iron is not silver, but the heat gives the piece an unexpected color.
Huxley Lingam (below) was a project in which the theme was perception. The phallic pendant is a kaleidoscope, with an acrylic bubble on the bottom, playing with the real image.
What's next for you in 2012?
If the world does not end (laughs). As I returned to Brazil in 2011 after six years out, I'm investing in new projects like a new beginning. I hope to see my work recognized, conquer new galleries, learning more, much more. Always.
Thanks to Alice for doing this inteview. We'll look forward to seeing what you do this year and wish you all the best on your new beginning back in Brazil.
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