"What remains of us when we are gone?"
Ilaria’s works are mainly influenced by this question. Forced to meet death from a very young age, she grew up with the need to figure out how the smallest details in life are linked between each other. In her projects Ilaria starts from real plants and insects, working on them with her very own technique, making them eternal while celebrating their life. She is also keen to use remains of ones passing, as animal bones and teeth or old photos of strangers found during garage sales. There’s life in everything that surrounds us. Ilaria feels a deep connection with the element of earth and likes to use stones and crystals as final details for her creations. Every gem used has a meaning. Most of the materials used are not “precious” ones, to resemble how beautiful and close to humans, imperfections can be. Crooked gems are often used as well as non precious metals. Every artwork is unique and cruelty free.
Each piece coming from Ilaria De Lorenzi has its own meaning and title. Every jewel is first of all thought as a vehicle to deliver a message and a feeling to the observer, as sculptures do and as every artwork does. The only difference in this case is that you can wear your artwork throughout the day, and never feel lonely.
What are your life essentials -- What do you carry with you at all times?
Phone, headphones, pencil and notebook.
Who was your most previous text/call to and what about?
My last call was with the travel agency since I’m trying to organize a trip to Berlin to join the exhibition vernissage.
Last meal you would eat?
I don’t know. It could be pizza. Or Tiramisù.
Most influential person in your life?
Probably my boyfriend and my family.
Tried and true methods against creative block?
I honestly struggle a lot with creative blocks, especially during the last period.
So far, the only thing that I noticed works for me is traveling. If I leave the place in which I feel stuck, even just for like, a weekend, I will probably come up with some new ideas while I’m away.
What are some inspirational things, designs, artists, music, sites that you find yourself revisiting often?
This is by far the most difficult question. Since I’m also an art director I tend to look for inspiration in everything. I mainly find inspiration in cinema (Wong Kar Wai is one of my favorite directors), music (I like a lot of genres, some of my favorite artists are Mannarino, Sigur Ròs, Aurora, De Andrè and Hania Rani) and videogames. Since I got my BA in fashion, I have to say that I’m really looking up to Lee Alexander McQueen, Elsa Schiaparelli, Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo for their irreverence and personal way to represent themselves. My favorite emerging designer brand is Charlotte Knowles. I find a lot of inspiration from history of art as well, from Art nouveau to expressionism and more “contemporary” artists as Rothko. I read a lot of books and I’m really into anthropology/psychology essays and books.
“…I REALLY LOVE LONDON FOR THE BUZZ AND THE CREATIVITY…”
Favorite cities? Why?
At the moment there’s Tokyo on top of the list. I love how Japanese culture was able to create an enormous city, keeping it really green and poetic at the same time. In Tokyo, you can find literally everything that you’re looking for, if you know where to look.
Then, I really love London for the buzz and the creativity, Amsterdam for the freedom, Rome and Florence for the beauty and the history.
Favorite drinks?
I love rose wine, Martini, blanche beer and green tea.
Likes/dislikes?
Likes: traveling, studying japanese, polite and respectful people, kindness, nature, long walks, autumn.
Dislikes: racism/sexism, grey cities, cucumbers and olives, extremely hot weather (aka Summer in Italy).
SHOP THE EXHIBITION COLLECTION