To Leave the Nest. Sara Barbanti interviewed by Klimt02

Do you think that jewellery is being standardized? What is there of local and universal in your artistic work?
Yes, I do believe jewelry has been standardized over time, especially when we think about mainstream or hip designs that we can find in most shops. Although it's quite tricky to define. I think contemporary jewelry was born for this very reason: to space out from the commercial side and be able to tell a story that becomes personal and unique. Personally, I found it a way to interact with people and share my visions.


What do you expect when exposing your work to the public (for example with an exhibition)?
I hope to arouse curiosity, be able to evoke emotions and create the bases for a dialogue with the audience. Exhibiting is the moment for my work to leave the nest and engage in a conversation with the viewers. This moment, helps me look at it from a different perspective so that my research can evolve into something else or open my eyes to aspects I didn't notice before.


Are other areas besides the jewellery, present in your work?
For sure everyday, I'm unconsciously influenced by what I see and perceive around me. If I have to name one field, in particular, I would say that the structural aspect of my pieces comes from my interior design background.


The last work, book, film, city that has moved me was...
Turkey, especially Cappadocia, for its powerful and surprising nature and for the strong connection between human and landscape.
A place, space, country whose creativity surprises me...
India where everyone has the ability to create something beautiful out of nothing and to face life with a positive attitude.


Is there any designer, jeweller, artist, you appreciate a lot?
Above all Gigi Mariani, my mentor, for his spontaneous way of working with materials, simple but full of strength. Giuseppe Penone, and Arte Povera in general, for the use of peculiar materials, the relationship with nature and it's aesthetic that goes beyond conventional rules of beauty.


What piece or work has given you the most satisfaction?
That would be my first charcoal brooch - Materia. Satisfaction it's always temporary, for me, it's more important the act of creating the piece. When I finish a design I almost feel empty, but it's that sense of emptiness that charges me with the inspiration to start working on something new.


Do you read Jewellery Magazines? What is your source to get information?
I find easier and more immediate to keep myself updated on the jewelry scene through online platforms, like Klimt02, but I do read Art Aurea as well.


Do you discuss your work with other jewellery artists or any other person?
I always discuss my practice, with people from my same industry but also outside of it. I find very stimulating what someone not familiar with the contemporary jewelry scene might think of it. I am the first one to constantly challenge my practice that's why I often seek feedback and opinions to help me throughout the process.
It's a way to dig deeper inside my research and not to stop on the surface of what I like.


What is your first thought when you hear the word Future?, What do you expect for?
I'm a bit scared of the word future. Right now I'm very happy with what I do, I don't want to rush but on the opposite stay focused. Research and creation are slow processes to organically grow into new shapes.