It all came from treasure

Ana discovered her passion for jewellery making on a trip to Egypt
Her biggest source of inspiration is nature and the Brazilian flora
She is an advocate for the preservation of her country's forests

Ana Calbucci worked for many years in the fields of architecture and design. It was during a trip to Egypt that she had her first meaningful encounter with jewellery making, a moment that changed the course of her professional path. While visiting the Cairo Museum, Ana saw the treasure of Tutankhamun for the first time. Coming back to Brazil she signed up for a jewellery course and decided to focus on her new-found passion. She initially studied traditional goldsmithing techniques, and then ventured into exploring other materials until she felt completely free to work with any material. In her practice today, Ana opts for whichever material is most fitting to express her ideas.

Interview

How does your creative process unfold?: I express my ideas with drawings and select materials, then I let them guide me through the process of materialisation. I start testing prototypes and learn from my mistakes and successes. I do a lot of research on techniques and materials.
What is your biggest source of inspiration?: Nature. As a Brazilian it is impossible to remain impassive when faced with the exuberance of our flora. I participate as an activist for its preservation, drawing attention to what we are losing when wiping out our forests.
How is your craft connected to the territory?: My craft is connected to the territory through nature. Brazilian identity is composed of many layers and the base of everything is nature. I think our indigenous cultures have a lot to teach us. I do not see a division between culture and nature, in fact. To me, we are a unit.
What is your advice for someone who would like to follow a similar path to you?: To always research and be curious. You always have something to learn. Be committed to what you do. It is important to work with our hands, alongside thinking about how best to communicate about our craft, exhibiting works, showing and discussing production.

Ana Calbucci is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2013 and she started teaching in 2022