Alis Lalu

Jewellery maker

©Herman&Co

Jewellery designer & photo credits, Alis Lalu

©Alis Lalu

Contemporary self-expression

Alis studied jewellery making in Romania and Italy
Every piece she creates is unique and has its own story
She received the "Awesome Award" at Autor jewellery fair, in Bucharest

A former economist, Alis Lalu gave up her corporate career to pursue her passion for jewellery in 2011. Initially trained by the jewellery designer David Sandu, she opened her workshop soon after graduating from Assamblage Contemporary Jewellery School and started teaching evening classes a year later. Alis perfected her techniques by also attending a jewellery course at Alchimia School, in Florence, following an award she received at Autor jewellery fair in 2014. She creates unique pieces for those who perceive jewellery as a form of expressing themselves, not just as an accessory. "I believe that jewellery comes from the need of self-expression, both for the maker and the wearer", she emphasizes.

Interview

©Herman&Co

©Alis Lalu

How did you choose this craft?: I have a very close relationship with jewellery. Looking back at my trajectory, I discovered the call of jewellery making when I was ready to change my life and it came at the right time. Somehow, I believe that the craft chose me and not the other way around.
What makes your creations unique?: Every piece I make has its own story, starting with the creative idea, the stone or the pigment I use and finishing with the marks each piece leaves on my hand while working on it. My creations have intricate details and reflect a special attention to the craft.
Where do you get your inspiration from?: It comes from everything around me and sometimes in the most unexpected moments. I find inspiration in my surroundings or the people I meet, but most of the time it simply emerges in my work process. I believe Picasso was right: "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working”.
What would you say to aspiring jewellery makers?: I would say that practice makes perfect. Do not be afraid to explore ideas, experiment or play. I recommend having the courage to reinterpret, in a very personal manner, a story that has been told for many, many years in only one way.

Alis Lalu is a master artisan: she began her career in 2011 and she started teaching in 2013