Winning the Alchimia Award at AUTOR was an unbelievable moment for me—one that still feels surreal. AUTOR 2024 was my first time participating in the event, but my connection with it goes back much further. I first visited AUTOR in 2012, and that experience was a turning point; it was then that I decided I wanted to pursue contemporary jewelry. Over a decade later, I finally exhibited my work there—and to my amazement, I received the Alchimia Award, granting me a two-week scholarship at Alchimia School of Contemporary Jewelry in Florence, Italy.
Going to Alchimia had been a dream of mine since I was just beginning my journey in jewelry. This scholarship made that dream come true. Alchimia is a prestigious school situated in the heart of Florence,
an incredible place filled with history, creativity, and inspiration. The school fosters a supportive and dynamic environment where experimentation, learning, and artistic growth thrive. What struck me most was how open and encouraging the teachers were—always eager to guide me through new techniques and ideas, supporting my curiosity every step of the way.
Alchimia’s well-equipped workshops, filled with tools, machines, and ample space to experiment, provided the perfect setting for creative exploration. The library, filled with fascinating books on art history, jewelry, and technology, became one of my favorite places—I happily lost myself in its pages for hours.
During my time at Alchimia, I had the privilege of learning from two amazing mentors. My first week was guided by Daniela Boieri, and my second week by Lumy Nouguez. Both of them were incredibly knowledgeable, energetic, and deeply committed to teaching. I was amazed by their ability to anticipate my needs, listen to my ideas, and help me bring them to life. Additionally, Lucia Massei played an essential role in my learning experience. Her guidance and feedback were invaluable, and I truly appreciated her dedication and openness. Despite the short duration of my stay, I gained an incredible amount of knowledge and confidence under their mentorship.
One of the most exciting aspects of my time at Alchimia was experimenting with a new material: wood. I absolutely fell in love with it! Shaping wood was not only a learning experience but also a therapeutic one. I explored various techniques—carving different shapes, testing different finishes, burning the surface with molten metal, adding color, and ultimately incorporating these elements into jewelry pieces. Alongside this, I learned new brooch attachment systems, mastered rivet making, experimented with sand casting, and explored different methods of applying color to metal.
By the time my course ended, I left with much more than just technical skills—I had discovered new ways to express myself artistically. Alchimia has a remarkable way of nurturing creativity, helping artists tap into their hidden potential and transform ideas into tangible works of art.
I wholeheartedly encourage anyone with a passion for contemporary jewelry to experience Alchimia. The combination of its inspiring setting, vibrant energy, and the unwavering support of its instructors makes it a place where artistic visions come to life. My time there has left a profound impact on my creative journey, and I will always cherish the lessons and experiences I gained.
A heartfelt thank you to AUTOR 2024 and Lucia Massei for granting me this incredible opportunity. Thank you, Alchimia, for opening doors to endless creativity and for the memories that will continue to inspire me for years to come.
