For jewellery making I choose to use what surrounds me in my daily life. Maria Cristina Bellucci interviewed by Klimt02

Do you think that jewellery is being standardized? What is there of local and universal in your artistic work?
I think that jewellery is being standardized when I see lots of pieces one similar to the other, and not enough original ideas. A piece of jewellery always reflects the personality of the maker.
At the same time there is a lot of high quality jewellery. I think that the feature of this era is the abundance, too many products, too many artists in every field.
The materials I choose are more related to the local, because I choose to use what surrounds me in my daily life and in my environment.
Universal can be interpreted in two different ways: universal as common everywhere and universal as an idea so essential and true that belongs to the human in any era, and so it is always current.
There are many examples of artworks belonging to the past time which seem out of the time, and I’m very interested in this concept. Egon Schiele’s thought express this idea very well: Art cannot be modern, Art is primordially eternal.


What do you expect when exposing your work to the public (for example with an exhibition)?
Exhibiting my work is part of being a jewellery artist, I’m very happy to promote my work. Showing my work to a public is a way to communicate, to open up to different opinions and discussions.


Are other areas besides the jewellery, present in your work?
Yes there are. Recently I designed some tableware objects together with a friend and collegue. I’m very happy when I can work with a friend doing something different from my usual work. In the last years I designed some little objects like decorative spheres made with paper, bookmarks, bowls. I have many ideas but not enough time to realize them all.


The last work, book, film, city that has moved me was...
Recently I was impressed by the book Snow by Maxence Fermine. So creative and delicate. I love watching films too but it isn’t easy to find something that interests me.  Recently I discovered the Japanese director Hiroki Hayashi. I appreciated a lot his film Blossoming into a Family; his way of working is quite special, his starting point are the actors rather than the story itself, the story is tailored around the individual actors.
The Japanese Institute of Culture in Rome where the film was projected is a very beautiful place too.  It was a wonderful evening shared with my daughter and a friend of mine.


A place, space, country whose creativity surprises me...
Last year I visited frequently Switzerland. I was surprised to find creativity in the contemporary interior design and in the approach to cooking and to food presentation.


Is there any designer, jeweller, artist, you appreciate a lot?
There are many, in different fields: jewellery and craft, architecture, design, art. I appreciate a lot Munari, I love his way of working, with  fun and lightness. Many years ago I’ve seen in Rome an exhibition dedicated to him very complete. It was a joy.


What piece or work has given you the most satisfaction?
This ring is one of my favourite pieces of work:
Maria Cristina Bellucci. Ring: 17 ring 8, 2017. Coloured pencils, wood, silver.

I loved the piece of wood that I choose, acacia wood with a magnificent fragrance, and its light colors.
This ring too, recently part of  the Permanent Collection of Contemporary Jewellery at the Cominelli Foundation:

Maria Cristina Bellucci. Ring: 11 ring 4, 2011, Coloured pencils, wood.

Do you read Jewellery Magazines? What is your source to get information?
I read jewellery magazines only occasionally. I mainly get information through internet and social media. This is enough for me in my everyday life. I sometimes enjoy reading books about contemporary jewellery and learn more about the artist.


Do you discuss your work with other jewellery artists or any other person?
Yes, it’s very interesting for me. While I work I communicate with my friends artists. I like to know their point of view. More recently I also discuss my work with my young daughter who has an artistic sensitivity. I speak about my work with non artists too because I’m also interested in the reaction of people not directly involved in artistic creations.


What is your first thought when you hear the word Future? What do you expect for?
Mystery, hope... I'd like for humans to be more balanced. I personally try to live in the present moment, the “here and now”.  I hope to live more and more in harmony with Life, living my life with simplicity and being true to myself.