Hi Brunella!

Congratulations on being shortlisted
for the Cluster Jewellery Residency 2021

How would you introduce yourself to the Cluster readers?

Hello everyone! I'm Brunella Alfinito, I'm a 35 year old Italian artist
and I've been in the world of contemporary jewellery since 2012.
I’ve traveled a lot during my professional career but I currently live
and work in Milan. For a couple of years now I’ve been teaching Advanced Jewellery Techniques at the European Institute of Design.
I’d say curious is the best adjective to describe me. In general life I like to travel, understand, learn, and experience the world, and this attitude
is naturally reflected in my work.

How did you get here on your creative journey?

I studied architecture at La Sapienza, Rome and also lived in Lisbon
for a year as part of my studies. Then I decided to move to Santiago, Chile and started studying Mapuche Jewellery. I instantly fell in love
with this art and decided to deepen my knowledge of it by enrolling
at Alchimia, a school of contemporary jewellery in Florence.
There I was lucky enough to study with many famous contemporary jewellers. After the BFA, I took a master's degree in 3D studio at MassArt in Boston, Massachusetts. I was also teaching assistant
to the Intermediate Jewellery Course and had an internship at MIT working on a wearable technology project. I’ve always loved studying and still attend conceptual and technical workshops
all over the world, when I get the chance.

Tell us about the work you submitted…

I’ve decided to submit two bodies of work:

In dedication to Richard Serra; I wanted to celebrate one of my favourite artists whose sculptures emphasise materiality and engagement between viewer, site, and work.

I aimed to create jewellery that was as strong in its purity
as that of Serra’s work. The curves give a different point of view depending how the piece is turned. The continuous line shifts with every curve creating a sense of disorientation. With this series I experimented
a lot and played with the surface, taking advantage of the physical
and chemical properties of the materials and allowing for focus on the journey rather than the final result. 

In Overthinking I decided to work with much more intimacy. At that time,
I was going through a challenging time of my life, full of doubts
and uncertainties. I saw this work as an opportunity to go through
a meditative process. A gesture, a way to express a state of mind.
The result was a tangled intricate structure; representing the shadow around my head, a projection of my mind.

How would you describe your creative style
and way of working?

My process is a succession of long moments of research
and experimentation with materials and shapes. I’m now aware
that every material always shows physical limits that often seem insurmountable. It’s essential for me to spend a lot of time studying, researching and deepening my understanding of the properties
and characteristics each material possesses. At the same time I deepen the concepts I want to express and the feelings related to them;
constant drawing and writing frees my intuition.

Social media and you: the good, the bad and the ugly.
Tell us all…

I must admit that I’m not a person inclined to use them but I certainly understand their potential and advantages. As far as I can I strive
to be part of this world. In general, I believe that social media offers
the possibility to be here and everywhere and that it can be the quickest way to let a large audience know who you are and what you do. Exchange of ideas and points of view from one part of the world
to another, in real time, are possible with minimal effort.
To this day, however, I still find real interpersonal relationships
or the coming to fruition of a work of art irreplaceable.
To be able to observe it closely, touch it and even wear it!

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

 My passion for what I do and my innate curiosity
in the world around me.

Who are your idols?

Bruno Munari, who changed my way of looking at the world
and what surrounds me. Richard Serra, who changed my way
of approaching materials. Honestly, I admire all artists who courageously carry out their projects with extreme passion and conviction,
without being influenced by trends or market laws.

Tips, tricks and secrets for making it in the art world?

I sound repetitive but I have no particular tips, tricks, or secrets to share.
I simply always follow my mantra!